Real Madrid set to battle Chelsea for Bundesliga-winning defender – report | OneFootball

At this point, it is well-established that Real Madrid will enter the market for a new centre-back in the summer of 2026.

David Alaba’s contract expires at the end of the season and he does not feature in the club’s plan for the future. Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger’s continuity is also far from guaranteed, given his recent fitness struggles.

So, at least one new centre-back will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu next year, with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano one of the targets being considered.

Chelsea to rival Real Madrid for Upamecano

However, according to journalist Christian Falk, Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are also interested in Upamecano and are all set to battle Real Madrid for his signing.

The 26-year-old centre-back’s current contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season.

In demand. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Renewal talks are ongoing and the Bavarians remain hopeful of extending his deal, but no breakthrough has been achieved thus far.

The signing fee is understood to be a major hurdle, with Upamecano hoping to pocket a big sum after seeing Alphonso Davies earn around €20 million last year when he was in a similar situation.

Given the situation, Real Madrid have positioned themselves as one of the French international’s suitors, although, Chelsea, too have now joined the hunt.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was said to be the Merengues’ priority, but Christian Falk claims that Upamecano has leapfrogged his compatriot and is now the club’s main centre-back target.

But with Chelsea entering the picture, it will be interesting to see how things evolve in the coming weeks and where Upamecano ends up come summer of 2026.