Chelsea have been notified of the availability of Dayot Upamecano should they fail to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus this summer, according to reports.
The Blues are in the market for new defenders this summer amid the departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, with their options for the backline currently looking limited.
He has emerged as a top target for the Blues within the last couple of weeks, but Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the Dutchman.
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He is likely to leave Juventus this summer after he recently criticised the sporting project at the club, meaning he could depart after three seasons in Turin.
It is thought he would prefer a move to the Bundesliga but Chelsea are still said to be in the race for the 22-year-old, even though Juventus are aware that he is in negotiations with Bayern.
However if they do fail to sign him, then it appears as though they will be able to land another top defender ahead of the new season, one who has not yet been linked with the west London outfit this summer.
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According to 90min, Thomas Tuchel’s side have been ‘informed’ of Upamecano’s possible availability from Bayern this summer amid their transfer battle for de Ligt.
Sources have told the website that a move to the German Champions is more likely to happen for the Dutch international despite the interest from Chelsea, and therefore Upamecano could become available if they bring another centre-back in.
The 23-year-old’s representatives are aware that the club are keen bringing in de Ligt this summer, and the Blues would be ‘very interested’ in signing the former should he look to leave.
Such news means he could depart the club after just one season at the Bundesliga giants, having made the switch from RB Leipzig last summer for his release clause fee of €42.5 million, and his parent side would want around €50 million for any potential departure.
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It remains to be seen whether or not de Ligt will choose Chelsea over Bayern ahead of the new campaign, but Tuchel’s side are already working on other targets.
Nathan Ake could return to Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, with the Manchester City defender agreeing personal terms with the Blues.
City are yet to have received an official bid for the 27-year-old but it is thought that a transfer could be close, and he will join his new club alongside teammate Raheem Sterling.
Topics: Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt