Chelsea enter race for French defensive stalwart with £40m release clause

Chelsea enter race for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have become the latest club to express an interest in the services of RB Leipzig’s French defender Dayot Upamecano.

One of the most sought-after defenders in Europe currently, the 22-year-old Upamecano has been linked with our rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are also long-term admirers of the Frenchman.

Now, Chelsea have also joined the list of suitors for the Frenchman ahead of the summer window. The Blues brought in Thiago Silva in the summer to bolster the defence. And while the Brazilian has done well, he is 36 years old and is in the twilight of his career.

Furthermore, there remain question marks over the future of defenders Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori, who have not been regulars under Frank Lampard this term. Thus, Upamecano would be a viable target for the Blues to bolster the defensive unit.

Despite there being interest in him in the ongoing window itself, Leipzig are determined to hold on to him at least till the end of the season. The 22-year-old signed a new contract with the club last year. The deal contains a £40m release clause that kicks in at the end of the ongoing season.

And clubs can land Upamecano by triggering that clause in the summer. Given his age, potential and the experience he has already gathered, £40m would be a bargain for him in the current market.

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It will be interesting to see if Upamecano becomes our latest import from Germany come summer. Given the number of clubs interested, a deal will be not easy to complete.