Dayot Upamecano is one of the most sought-after players in Europe (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has targeted RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano to bolster the defensive unit. The report also suggests that Lampard is ready to make a complete change in the squad after signing Hakim Ziyech and would start with an overhaul at the back.
Upamecano, 21, came through the youth ranks of Valenciennes before joining RB Salzburg in Austria. Two years later, in 2017, Leipzig signed him and since then, he has been a regular starter, except for the time he was out due to a knee injury for the Bundesliga side.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s performance in the last two months hasn’t been good and the youngsters have struggled a lot due to inexperience. Lampard had to deal with a lot of injuries to his key players in the past and the options available to him are limited.
The transfer ban last summer and the decision to opt-out from signing new players in January has slightly affected the team. And one area where they have been weak is defence. They have conceded 39 goals in 28 league games, which is the most among the teams present in the top six of the league standings.
German international Antonio Rudiger was injured for the majority of the first half of the season. In his absence, Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma were deployed but both the academy graduates were incapable of striking a solid partnership. They have fallen down the pecking order under the manager in the past few weeks.
Andreas Christensen has partnered the German in the last few games but hasn’t convinced with a decent performance. The Blues’ defence was ripped apart by Bayern Munich in the Champions League a few days back and the lack of quality and depth should prompt Lampard to bring in reinforcements to the defensive line.
In that case, making a move for Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano would be a smart decision by the club, which has lacked an in-form centre-back.
The 21-year-old has been a huge presence at the back for the German outfit. He has helped his side keep 7 clean sheets so far. Upamecano is also capable of playing in a defensive midfield role and he would add depth and quality to Chelsea’s defensive unit.
The Blues have lacked a partnership in the heart of the defence as the manager has often shuffled between a three-man and four-man defence this campaign. Therefore, bringing in the 21-year-old Upamecano would help them.
