Chelsea eye RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano as search for defenders becomes top priority

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Chelsea are looking to sign Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig as a long term option

Chelsea are looking to address their issue in central defence as a key requirement in need of addressing between January and the end of the summer.

With Fikayo Tomori on the verge of completing a loan move to AC Milan, Chelsea are already considering possible long term options, with Upamecano being the main target. 

The Leipzig defender is also being monitored closely by Manchester United, whilst Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich leading the chase for Upamecano's signature in Germany. 

Upamecano currently has a buy-out clause of £40 million, making him a cut price option for all interested parties.

Chelsea also have the option to extend current centre-back Thiago Silva's contract however, at the age of 36 he cannot be considered as a long term option.

Fikayo Tomori's loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season includes an option to buy for £25 million. 

Th 23 year old centre back has struggled for game time this season, making his only appearance as a substitute in the premier league. 

Frank Lampard had previously mentioned juggling five centre-backs as a reason for Tomori going out on loan, however, the belief in the club is that more quality is required at centre-back. 

Silva and fellow centre back Kurt Zouma appear to have formed a formidable partnership and were the reason behind Chelsea's early season form took them to the top of the table in December. However, Lampard has recently elevated Antonio Rudiger as first choice in recent weeks, despite allowing the German defender to leave last summer. 

Centre back Andreas Christensen  has only made seven appearances this season and had dropped down the pecking order following Thiago Silva's arrival.  

Lampard has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in another player this month making an admission that he wants to improve the balance of the squad. 

This however, will involve the offloading of fringe players, for instance Danny Drinkwater has already completed a loan move to Turkish side Kasimpasa and Tomori also close to departing. 

There also serious doubts over the futures of Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcos Alonso.

 

For more articles on news relating to Chelsea football club please visit my twitter account @followchelsea Link - Follow Chelsea (@FollowChelsea4) / Twitter
Location: Slough, UK

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