Chelsea have ‘opened talks’ to sign world-class Bayern Munich star – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea and Man City Weigh Up Upamecano Move Amid Bayern Contract Uncertainty

As Bayern Munich scramble to tie down Dayot Upamecano to a new deal, three Premier League giants are circling. According to TeamTalk, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have all held talks with the French defender’s representatives, with Bayern “really worried” about losing him for free next summer.

Upamecano’s Contract Situation

Upamecano’s current Bayern contract expires in June 2026, and while Bayern are “trying to tie the centre-back down to a new contract before the end of the year,” there is mounting concern that the lure of the Premier League could prove too strong. Under Bosman rules, he can speak with other clubs from 1 January, putting Bayern under “severe pressure” to secure his signature.

Valued at €60 million (£52.5m), the French international currently earns around €192,000 (£168,000) per week in Bavaria but could significantly increase that figure in England. It’s easy to see why TeamTalk describe him as a “potential bargain signing” given his age, pedigree and experience in the Champions League.

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Chelsea’s Defensive Needs

Chelsea’s interest comes as Enzo Maresca looks to reinforce his defensive unit, with several injury setbacks leaving the Blues short at centre-back. Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with another long-term issue, while Levi Colwill’s ACL injury rules him out for most of the season. Benoît Badiashile is due back in December, but Axel Disasi’s future looks uncertain.

As TeamTalk noted, “Chalobah could be put on the market again in 2026, as his sale would go down as pure profit on Chelsea’s books.” Maresca could well see Upamecano as both an upgrade and a stabilising influence alongside Tosin Adarabioyo or Badiashile once fit.

“Upamecano could help replace Chalobah at Chelsea while also filling in for Fofana if he gets injured again,” the report explains. For a club that has often struggled for defensive continuity, his signing would make strategic sense.

Manchester City’s Perspective

At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has the luxury of depth, with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov all available. Yet TeamTalk hint that Stones’ fitness remains a concern, noting he “considered retiring last season” due to recurring injuries.

Upamecano could therefore serve as a long-term successor to Stones, while providing competition across the back line. Still, City’s defensive depth means their need is less pressing than Chelsea’s.

Transfer Domino Effect

Interestingly, TeamTalk suggest that “Upamecano’s future appears wedded to Guehi’s,” as both are being tracked by the same clubs. Should Bayern lose Upamecano, they could pivot towards Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a replacement, creating a potential domino effect across Europe’s elite.

Upamecano’s decision may ultimately hinge on which club offers the clearest project. Chelsea can promise regular minutes and a key role in Maresca’s evolving system, while City can offer silverware and stability. For Bayern, the clock is ticking fast.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s point of view, this feels like the kind of move that could help turn a promising squad into a more consistent one. Enzo Maresca’s system demands technical defenders who are comfortable on the ball, and Upamecano fits that profile perfectly. His recovery pace, physicality, and experience at the highest level would add real balance to Chelsea’s back line.

Supporters will recall how Fofana’s fitness issues and Chalobah’s uncertain future have created instability at the back. Bringing in a player like Upamecano could restore order and give Maresca the defensive platform to build from. The Frenchman’s partnership with Badiashile at international level also suggests chemistry that could translate well to club football.

Many Chelsea fans would see this as a statement of intent, especially if the club moves early in January before City or Liverpool pounce. While Bayern are pushing to renew his deal, the pull of the Premier League remains strong, and Stamford Bridge could offer him both the challenge and the salary he desires.

If Maresca can convince him of Chelsea’s long-term vision, this could be one of the smartest deals of 2026.