Chelsea enter the mix for RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano — report

With the number of centre-backs that have been linked with Chelsea as of late, it would be a huge surprise if we aren’t planning on buying a CB next summer. The futures of both Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen (and maybe even Fikayo Tomori) probably lie elsewhere, and it would be logical to assume that the Blues are willing to invest in the position soon, especially with Thiago Silva turning 37 at the beginning of next season.

Having said that, a new centre-back appears to have re-entered Chelsea’s shortlist in the form of RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, as per a report from the Daily Mail. The 22-year-old is arguably one of the best young defenders in the world, and the Blues were bound to stay linked with him.

Upamecano signed a new contract with Leipzig last summer, tying him up with the Bundesliga club till June 2023. However the France international also reportedly has a £40m release clause in his contract which will be available next summer — and Chelsea have seemingly expressed an interest in triggering it.

The competition for Upamecano’s signature is stiff however, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal all said to hold an interest in the player. Bayern especially are looking at the young defender as a replacement for David Alaba and Jérôme Boateng.

Signing Upamecano will undoubtedly be a difficult task for Chelsea. But then again, good things never come easy.