Why Dayot Upamecano to Chelsea would bolster their defence
According to the Express, Chelsea are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano in the summer, with the help of Timo Werner, who recently signed for the Blues.
Upamecano, 21, came through the ranks of FC Valenciennes’ youth system and joined Austrian side RB Salzburg in the summer of 2015. Though he managed to feature in just 23 games for the Austrian giants, the defender was part of the squad that won two league titles and two Austrian Cups.
He was signed by Leipzig in the summer of 2017 and since then, he has become a regular member of the squad, making 110 appearances to date. His impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed and the young centre-back is one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Thus, Chelsea should make a move for him this summer.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has done a stellar job with the youngsters in the squad as they are currently in the 4th position in the league standings. Having already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner to bolster their attacking unit, it is time for the manager to bring in reinforcements to other key positions. And this could help them challenge for various titles in the next campaign.
Upamecano could bring stability to Chelsea’s defence
One key area which Lampard should focus on strengthening is the defence. They have already conceded 40 goals so far which is the worst defensive unit among the top 10 teams in the league standings. Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori are the four main central defenders available at the manager’s disposal.
However, Zouma has struggled over the course of campaign and the backline looked shaky in the absence of Rudiger. Only after the German international’s return from injury did the Blues perform decently at the back. Christensen has also failed to perform consistently this term, while Tomori lacks top level experience. Thus, a new centre-back is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Upamecano would be a massive boost to the squad. The French youngster has been in terrific form for Leipzig in the last two campaigns. This season, he has been a key member of the squad, which has conceded just 36 goals in Bundesliga and is the second-best defensive unit in Germany’s top flight.
Given the 21-year-old’s form, he would be a valuable addition to Lampard’s squad. He would definitely bring in a healthy competition, whilst also adding the much-needed quality and depth to the squad. And he is just 21 and has a lot of room for development under Lampard.
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Verdict
Chelsea lack quality at the back and are in dire need of central defenders. And Upamecano, valued at £54m, is in the form of his life. He is just 21 and can go on to represent them in the long run if he is able to continue with the fine form. Thus, they should try to lure the former Salzburg man to Stamford Bridge this summer.
