In a recent report, German news outlet Kicker has provided an update on Chelsea‘s pursuit of Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upmacano. It is understood that the Blues have already ‘made contact’ to sign the French centre-back but will face competition from Bayern Munich in pursuit of the player (via Kicker).
Upamecano’s Solid Season At The Red Bull Arena
It has been another dominant season for the Leipzig defensive ace thus far as he has caught the eye after producing a run of commanding displays at the centre of Julian Nagelsmann’s defence. Upamecano has featured in 24 matches for the German outfit this term, netting one goal and grabbing one assist in all competitions.
The French centre-half deserves a lot of credit for averaging 3.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and 1.0 dribble per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stages this season. The 22-year-old has even distributed possession accurately out from the back as evidenced by his pass success rate of 85.6% in European football (stats via whoscored).
Upamecano is currently amongst the best young defenders in Germany, so he could prove to be a massive coup for the Blues if they can find a way to bring him to the English capital during this January transfer window or at the end of this campaign.
What Will The French Talent Bring To Stamford Bridge?
Upamecano has decent pace under his belt and can recover quickly to make a clearance when his teammates are under pressure at the back. He has excellent defensive awareness to nip the danger in the bud and can pull off some important interceptions for his side.
The French sensation can use his strong 1.86m frame to win a lot of aerial duels and has established himself as a brilliant ball-playing centre-back under Julian Nagelsmann’s stewardship in recent seasons. However, only time will tell whether he can maintain his outstanding standards in the Premier League where he will be tested week in week out.
A defender of Upamecano’s quality and potential could do wonders for the Chelsea defence that has lacked consistency this season as they have already conceded 23 goals in 19 matches in the Premier League. The French prospect will undeniably bolster the quality of the West London club’s first-team. He is going to be a great signing for them in the long-run.
At 22, Upamecano will only get better with each season, so it makes sense for the Blues to prioritise on recruiting him in order to have a stronger squad capable of a title challenge next season. With Frank Lampard sacked from the managerial position at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea need to build for the future which makes the Leipzig whizkid an excellent choice for them to consider next summer.
