Premier League side Chelsea have shown interest in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano according to reports from Europe. Upamecano has been gathering a lot of buzz of recent and the Blues are set to get on the train this summer.
According to The Athletic the player has had contact with Chelsea officials regarding a deal in the summer. This is despite interest from other Premier League sides. The young French defender is attracting interest from top clubs across the continent. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have all shown interest.
Barca have identified the player as the heir to the ageing Gerrard Pique. Although the financial situation at Camp Nou will make any deal difficult. But the sale of Arthur and potential sale of other underperforming stars might help to pursue the young French talent.
Real Madrid signed Eder Militao from Porto last season. The Brazilian has not settled well in Madrid and head coach Zinedine Zidane has told the club to look for alternatives. Upamecano being aware of the heavy interests in him has refused to extend with RB Leipzig. He knows he could end up at United, Arsenal or Chelsea hence the drag in extending with the German side.
The Blues could trigger his €60m buyout clause to wrap up their market dealings with three top talents set to resume pre-season ahead of a fresh challenge in the English topflight. Imagine what Frank Lampard could achieve with Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner and Upamecano. Despite this impressive attacking signings, there is a lingering feeling that the defence needs reinforcements and the signing of Upamecano would fix this problem.
Liverpool legend Micheal Owen believes the deals that have been done by Chelsea so far is quite impressive, adding that the club will struggle should they fail to address their backline.