Chelsea Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Bayern Munich Talent: Decent Choice For Maresca? | OneFootball

In a recent interview, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Chelsea are locked in a three-way battle for Bayern Munich talent Dayot Upamecano. Bailey said,

“We really have a fascinating summer looming, given some of potential big name free agents that might be available, and especially in the centre-half market.

“In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.

“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.

“And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”

Upamecano’s Impressive Form In The Bundesliga

Upamecano is having a solid campaign at the Munich club as he has managed to produce a run of impressive displays for them in the Bundesliga. The French talent has made 12 appearances for Bayern Munich this season across various competitions.

The 27-year-old has been a dominant presence on the defensive end of the field and deserves credit for making nine tackles, four blocks, five interceptions and 12 clearances in the Bundesliga. He has even distributed possession accurately from the back based on his pass success rate of 93.1% in the German first division (stats via fbref.com).

MUNICH, GERMANY – OCTOBER 18: Dayot Upamecano of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on October 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Will Upamecano Be A Decent Choice For Chelsea?

Upamecano is a tough-tackling defender who can read the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot.

Standing at 1.86m, the French sensation can use his powerful frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, there are some question marks over whether he can adapt to the high intensity of the Premier League.

Upamecano would no doubt improve the quality of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca’s defence. He is good enough to nail down a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming years.

At 27, Upamecano is about to enter his prime, which makes him an excellent choice for the Blues to consider this January or next summer.