Chelsea have entered the battle to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano, according to reports in the German media.
The CF Bayern Insider podcast (via Get German Football News) claims that the Blues are hoping to secure the France international’s services on a free transfer.
Upamecano is out of contract at the end of the season, and currently, there is no agreement between Bayern and the player on an extension.
As things stand, he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as soon as January 1st.
There is a lot of competition for Upamecano
Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old over the past couple of weeks.
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Upamecano is a well-established international who is about to hit his prime years. While Chelsea don’t usually pursue players who are above 25, they do make exceptions for free agents.
The Blues hijacked Newcastle’s move for Tosin Adarabioyo last year, and they were reportedly prepared to make a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman had not signed a new deal with the Reds.
Chelsea have been linked with another soon-to-be free agent
Along with Upamecano, his France international teammate Mike Maignan also has a contract that will expire in June next year.
The Blues failed to secure his services last summer, but there are many who still believe that the goalkeeper could end up moving to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Maignan’s availability as a Bosman signing means that there will be plenty of competition for his services, but Enzo Maresca’s side did do a lot of groundwork on the deal and there is a sense that he would still favour a move to London if another proposal is made.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here