Chelsea are hot on the heels of FC Bayern, who are leading the chase to sign RB Leipzig’s defensive ace Dayot Upamecano.
According to a report from Munich-based tabloid, Tageszeitung, Bayern Munich are set to face fresh competition from Chelsea in the pursuit of Dayot Upamecano. The Bavarians are in pole position to sign the RB Leipzig defender, who could leave The Red Bull Arena for a release clause that is worth around €40 million.
However, Bayern’s plans of securing the services of Upamecano has been dealt with a fresh problem, as Chelsea are now on the heels. In fact, the Blues are not only interested in the Leipzig defender but have also stepped up their pursuit, with Roman Abramovich more than willing to sanction a transfer.
it doesn’t bode well for FC Bayern, who are already braced for a major overhaul in the defensive unit this summer. Their star player David Alaba is already expected to leave the club following the end of his contract. The Austrian international has been unsurprisingly linked with a move to multiple clubs as well, including Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Another player who is facing an uncertain future at the club is Jerome Boateng. The veteran defender’s contract also expires at the end of the season, meaning Bayern Munich must find a way to bolster their defensive unit in the summer. Upamecano, in that regard, has been identified as a perfect option.
As for Chelsea, they too, are seemingly desperate in securing the services of Upamecano. The 22-year-old has emerged as a lynchpin in a Leipzig defence that has consistently performed well in the Bundesliga and in Europe, with the centre-back playing a key role behind the club’s semi-final run in the UEFA Champions League last season.
The Frenchman has an imposing presence about him that really gives him a considerable advantage in physical and aerial duels. Upamecano is also adept when it comes to providing the ball progression or distribution possession all around the park. It makes him an ideal long-term replacement for someone like Thiago Silva.
The Brazilian has been a huge success following his summer move to Stamford Bridge this season. But at the age of 36, the Blues are in desperate need of someone who can carry the torch forward. So the club’s interests in Upamecano comes as hardly a surprise and it will be interesting to see whether or not the Premier League giants can use their financial leverage to steal a march FC Bayern’s pursuit of Upamecano this summer.
