Chelsea can save £52m on dream transfer but race with Liverpool is on
Chelsea are said to be poised to hijack Liverpool's pursuit of a world-class defender in the January window, but they could save around £52million if they simply hold fast until next summer
Chelsea could pocket £52million in savings by waiting until next summer to pursue Dayot Upamecano. The defender has shone during his four-year stint with Bayern Munich, collecting three Bundesliga crowns and an equal number of German Super Cups along the way.
Consequently, Upamecano has attracted attention from several top-tier clubs currently. Given his existing agreement with the German giants expires come season's end, Bayern may be inclined to offload him in January.
That's if they are unable to renew terms with the centre-half. Liverpool are reportedly keen on acquiring the 26-year-old's talents as a backup option to Marc Guehi, after the England international's summer switch from Crystal Palace collapsed at the final moment.
To lure him to Anfield, the hierarchy might choose to match Munich's current valuation - even though minimal time remains on his existing deal. However, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are understood to be amongst other suitors for the star, along with Real Madrid and Inter Milan, reports Football.London.
According to Bild, Bayern find themselves locked in a 'poker game' with Upamecano's representatives regarding a contract extension, with minimal advance just yet. It comes despite the player confirming his commitment and concentration to his current deal.
He said: "I feel comfortable here and am happy to work with a very good coach and great players. My agent is talking with the people in charge at Bayern.
"The talks are ongoing. There's nothing more to say. We'll see what happens."
It could come as promising news for Chelsea, who could save a tidy sum on strengthening their defence if they simply play the waiting game. If Upamecano sees Stamford Bridge as his preferred destination, there's nothing stopping him from letting his contract at the Allianz run down and joining the Blues on a free transfer in the summer.
However, this strategy isn't without its risks, particularly given that Bayern could pocket a hefty sum from selling the Frenchman if he's tempted away. Chelsea chose to bolster their attack this summer, with Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho all penning long-term contracts with the club.
While Jorrel Hato also joined from Ajax, his playing time has been limited in London, despite Maresca's defence being plagued with injuries. However, if Maresca fails to entice Upamecano to Stamford Bridge, the club have several other defensive targets on their radar, including Guehi and Nottingham Forest's Murillo.
Maresca will be missing several key players when his team returns to Premier League action against Sunderland this weekend at home. Malo Gusto is currently serving a suspension after being sent off against Forest last weekend.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill will be out of the selection pool. Regis Le Bris is also dealing with a depleted squad as the Black Cats head to the capital, with Omar Alderete, Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde and Aji Alese all on the injury list.
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