Chelsea: £76m star 'watched for some time' at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea target Dayot Upamecano has ‘been watched’ by the club for ‘some time,’ according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Blues are known to be in the market for several central defenders following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, and Upamecano could be a potential replacement.

90min have reported that Chelsea ‘have been informed’ of the possible availability of Upamecano should Bayern secure the signature of Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.

Thomas Tuchel’s charges are, ironically, also in the hunt for De Ligt’s services, but his preference is believed to be a move to the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea are said to have an ‘extensive list’ of targets and could look to bring in up to three centre-backs this summer, with the future of Cesar Azpilicueta also up in the air amid interest from Barcelona.

The likes of Jules Kounde, Nathan Ake, Kalidou Koulibaly and Gleison Bremer are also on the capital club’s radar and are being assessed ahead of potential switches.

Upamecano only arrived at Bayern 12 months ago from RB Leipzig after they triggered his €42.5 million (£37m) release clause.

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However, the De Ligt’s arrival in Bavaria would understandably threaten his position at the club, and Jones believes it’s possible that he is an option for Chelsea.

He told GiveMeSport: “Maybe. His future is obviously uncertain, and he plays a position that Chelsea needs filling. So, there’s an obvious fit there, especially given that he’s been watched by Chelsea for some time.”

In his maiden campaign in a Bayern shirt, Upamecano racked up seven goal contributions in 38 appearances across all competitions, helping the club claim their tenth consecutive