Chelsea interested in signing £52 million France international to fix problem position for Enzo Maresca

France's Theo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

Chelsea’s 2025/26 season has been largely positive so far.

Enzo Maresca’s side are performing impressively in the Premier League — including a statement victory over reigning champions Liverpool — and have taken six points from their opening three Champions League fixtures.

The midfield is clicking into gear, with Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo dictating play, Estevão quickly becoming Stamford Bridge’s new star boy, and Reece James finally back fit and firing.

Yet one area continues to cause concern — centre-back.

With Levi Colwill ruled out for the season, Benoît Badiashile sidelined until at least December, and Wesley Fofana only just returning from another long layoff, Chelsea’s defensive depth is stretched thin.

Now, Maresca is said to be targeting a proven name to anchor his back line moving forward.

According to a report from Bild, Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, and are ready to compete with Liverpool and Manchester United for his signature.

The France international — whose contract expires at the end of the season — could be available for around £52 million in January, with Bayern Munich open to offers rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

Chelsea have explored defensive options in recent months, including Lazio’s Mario Gila, but Upamecano is viewed as a more experienced and physically commanding solution.

The 26-year-old has featured in ten of Bayern’s 12 matches this season, underlining his importance to Vincent Kompany’s side, while remaining a regular for Didier Deschamps’ France.

Known for his strength, pace, and improved distribution, Upamecano could offer the perfect blend of physicality and composure that Maresca’s possession-based system demands — and with Chelsea’s injury record at the back, his arrival could be a timely reinforcement.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.