Blues to rival Arsenal for young RB Leipzig defender

One area Chelsea are keen strengthen is defensively. Having conceded 37-goals in premier league action, the Blues have the 11th best defensive record this season.

A regular centre-back pairing has not transpired throughout the campaign. Antonio Rudiger missed the first few months through injury, with Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, and Fikayo Tomori starting their fair share of games.

The Mirror are reporting Chelsea are keen to join the race for young French centre-back, Dayot Upamecano. The Leipzig defender came through the youth ranks at Valenciennes, before joining RB Salzburg five-years-ago. A €10m move to RB Liepzig followed in 2017.

The 21-year-old has been a regular for the Bundesliga club in their pursuit of the title. He is a ball playing defender, who has great positional sense. A lot of clubs across Europe are interested in his signature.

One such club is reportedly Arsenal. Speculation of a possible move first broke in January. However, earlier this month Upamecano spoke of his plans.

Quoted by the Metro, he said:

“There are several clubs that want me. I will speak with my agents and my parents at the end of the season and we will make the right decision.”

The French ace is only contracted to Leipzig until the summer of 2021. A buyout clause is reportedly in place, set at £50m.

Being linked with the France under 21 star is all well and good, but his price will attract a lot of attention. If the Blues were to clinch his signature, Marina Granovskaia will have to pull out all the stops.