RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has admitted he is in discussions with other clubs despite only recently signing a contract extension.
The 21-year-old recently earned his first call-up to the France national team ahead of his country’s Nations League matches against Sweden and Croatia.
Upamecano has established himself as one of Europe’s top defensive prospects, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid among a host of clubs reportedly interested.
The defender particularly caught the eye in his side’s run to the Champions League semi-final, with many praising his performance against Atletico in the quarter-final.
At the end of July, Leipzig extended Upamecano’s contract through to the summer of 2023 as they attempted to ward off interest in the highly rated centre-back.
Speaking ahead of France’s match against Sweden on Saturday, Upamecano has revealed that his recent extension with the Bundesliga outfit did not preclude him from discussing his future with other teams.
“I have extended my contract with Leipzig,” Upamecano said. “I am targeted by several clubs, I speak with clubs, but I have time. We will see what happens in the future.”
Upamecano has made a rapid rise since joining RB Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2017, and has said his tenacity has helped him reach a high level at a young age.
“The secret of my success? Keep my feet on the ground, no pressure, and my determination,” the defender said. “I’ve had this determination since I was a kid and I want to keep working hard to reach the highest level possible.”
France boss Didier Deschamps may opt to bring Upamecano along slowly with his side boasting several other strong options in defence, but the Leipzig star believes the experience with Les Bleus will only make him stronger.
“It’s not easy to have this competition, but it’s even better for my progress to work with great players like [Raphael] Varane, [Presnel] Kimpembe and [Clement] Lenglet who have experience and played a lot of big matches.
“The senior French team is a dream for me. I have played with all of the youth national teams. I dreamed of coming to the castle. Now, I’m there. My work has been rewarded, I’m proud of myself.”