Chelsea are in talks to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano TEAMtalk.

After progressing through Red Bull’s famed youth system in Salzburg, the French defender, who is valued at £52m Transfer marketlater moved to Leipzig in 2017, where he made 154 appearances for the Bundesliga.

Those performances with Die Roten Bullen quickly put him on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern eventually securing his signature in the summer of 2021, a move that has since proven successful.

Since arriving in Bavaria, Upamecano has made more than 160 appearances in all competitions, collecting major honors along the way, including three Bundesliga crowns, three German Super Cups and a Nations League win with France, to which he was a key contributor.

With his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, the 6-foot-1 center back faces a decisive decision as he weighs a contract extension at the Allianz Arena or the option of seeking a new challenge if his terms are not met – a situation that has put several clubs on alert.

According to Chelsea, one of the clubs vying for Upamecano’s signature is Chelsea TEAMtalkwho claims the Club World Cup champions have joined the race to sign the 27-year-old.

The report adds that Enzo Maresca’s side have held talks over the France international’s possible free transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2026.

Bargain

While Chelsea have also long been interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, they have now joined the race for Upamecano. However, they could be outdone by other interested clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona if they do not make their interest concrete, the report said.

Although Chelsea have been plagued by injuries to their centre-backs, the Blues have viable depth in the position, including Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo.

At the same time, Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr are quality options for next season, having excelled on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg respectively.

One notable feature, however, is the lack of experience in the backline, with the oldest player being 28-year-old Adarabioyo.

Upamecano, who has played more than 350 matches in his career, played on the biggest stages and won major tournaments, would fit in well with the Mareca squad. He would provide the Italian manager with a reliable option that offers defensive solidity while being efficient on the ball at a bargain without a transfer.