Chelsea are keeping close tabs on ’s situation ahead of a possible bid for the defender in the transfer window.
Upamecano arrived at Bayern with huge expectations on his shoulders in 2021 following a €42.5million (£36m) switch from RB Leizpig and the 25-year-old has gone on to make 114 appearances across three years at the Allianz Arena.
However, speculation has been mounting that Upamecano could be on the move again ahead of the 2024/25 season, with the international enduring a tough campaign in Munich.
According to publication Bild, Bayern are edging closer to completing a deal for Jonathan Tah and may need to offload one of their current first-team defenders to make way for the Bayer Leverkusen star.
The report states that Upamecano is the most likely of Bayern’s current crop to be sold and Chelsea are one of the many clubs monitoring developments as they scour the market for Thiago Silva’s long-term replacement at centre-back.
It’s claimed Bayern officials deem Upamecano surplus to requirements, with the Frenchman guilty of making a string of high-profile blunders across the club’s trophyless campaign.
Chelsea have made their interest known but the Blues – now led by Enzo Maresca – are well aware that they will have to fend off the advances of a host of top teams, including Premier League rivals, to land the former Leipzig centre-half.
Upamecano’s current deal in Munich runs through to the summer of 2026 and it’s believed Bayern would demand a fee in excess of £40m for the defender from potential suitors.
The centre-back’s future could ultimately rest on Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s newly appointed manager, who took over the reins from Thomas Tuchel last week.
Upon his appointment, Kompany said he was intent on building a strong team but refused to be drawn on the specifics of his targets for the summer transfer window.
‘It’s still too early to talk about players. I’m looking forward to working with them,’ the legendary ex-Manchester City defender told reporters at his opening press conference.
‘I want to find out how hungry the players are.
‘Bayern didn’t become champions last year, I’m familiar with that situation too.
‘I’ll look at which players are hungry enough to play for Bayern Munich.’
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