RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has issued an ultimatum to 21-year-old defender Dayot Upamecano to sign a new contract extension with the Bundesliga club or leave, as they can’t afford to lose him on a free transfer.
“Upa is an extremely important player for us and one of the most sought-after talents in his position,” Mintzlaff told Bild. “One thing we can assure you of is that we have a very clear understanding with him and his agent that he will not be allowed to leave for free. We can’t afford that as a club.
“There are two options for him – he will either sign a contract extension or leave. I’m sure that we will know relatively quickly in which direction it goes.”
The Frenchman has a contract with RB Leipzig until 2021 but Upamecano could yet sign a contract extension, according to Sky Germany. Arsenal have previously shown interest in the central-defender, who has a €60m release clause that expires on June 30.
