Bayern Munich and Chelsea have initiated contact with Dayot Upamecano over a summer move, with the Frenchman set to cost around €40 million – €45 million.
According to an exclusive report from kicker, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are making efforts to sign Dayot Upamecano in the summer transfer window. The RB Leipzig star has become the hottest defensive prospect in the transfer market, especially due to a reportedly release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the Red Bull Arena for a fee of €40 million to €45 million.
Bayern, in particular, are desperate to secure the services of Upamecano as they prepare for life without David Alaba next season. The Austrian international has indeed been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona, with his existing contract in Bavaria expiring at the end of the campaign.
Hansi Flick has already spoken to the 22-year-old, who is tipped for a big-money move in the summer after a few successful years at RB Leipzig. In fact, he is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, having become a lynchpin in Julian Nagelsmann’s defensive setup.
Upamecano’s impressive passing and tactical awareness, in particular, have made him Bayern’s leading candidate to replace Alaba next season. But, the Bavarians could face stiff competition from Chelsea, who are also in the hunt for a new central defender in the summer transfer window.
The Blues have recently sacked their manager Frank Lampard following a series of poor performances. Thomas Tuchel is primed to take over the helm at Stamford Bridge and given the German’s knowledge and appeal towards the Bundesliga, it won’t be surprising to see Upamecano become the club’s prime target in the summer.
The Frenchman could be an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Thiago Silva at Stamford Bridge. But perhaps more importantly, his technical prowess combined with his positional sense should tune in perfectly with Tuchel’s footballing philosophy. And with far better financial incentives, Chelsea might appear as the more appealing destination for Upamecano next season.
Bayern Munich, however, could offer him the opportunity to not only win the Bundesliga but also the UEFA Champion League. His pace should also be ideal for Flick’s high line or press. So it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this extremely talented RB Leipzig centre-back, as he looks to take the next step in his career, with Chelsea and Bayern in the hunt.
