Arsenal handed Jan blow as Barcelona 'betrayal confirmed' after talks

Gunners dealt transfer setback

Arsenal have been handed a transfer blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, with Barcelona ‘betraying’ the Gunners by entering talks over a triple swoop for Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ansu Fati.

The Gunners were reportedly keen on signing Upamecano as they look to bolster their defence, but the French defender now looks set to make the move to Camp Nou instead.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Upamecano, who is said to be keen on a move to the La Liga giants.

Arsenal's transfer plans in disarray?

The news of Barcelona's interest in Upamecano is a major blow to Arsenal's transfer plans, as the Gunners were thought to be leading the race for his signature.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen his defence this summer, and Upamecano was seen as the ideal target. However, it now seems that the Gunners will have to look elsewhere for a new centre-back.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of other defenders this summer, including Brighton's Ben White and Lille's Sven Botman. However, it remains to be seen whether either of those players would be a suitable replacement for Upamecano.

What next for Arsenal?

The loss of Upamecano is a major setback for Arsenal, but the Gunners must now move on and focus on other targets.

Arteta is still in need of a new centre-back, and he will have to act quickly to find a suitable replacement for Upamecano.

The Gunners have been linked with a number of other defenders this summer, and it is likely that Arteta will now turn his attention to those players.