Chelsea could target £76m De Ligt alternative at Stamford Bridge

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By Caleb Sage

Published Jul 12, 2022

Chelsea could turn to a Bayern Munich star if they miss out on one of their key targets this summer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea, looks on prior to kick off of the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on May 01, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Chelsea could make Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano a target if they miss out on Matthijs de Ligt, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Bayern are also trying to sign the Juventus star, and if they beat Chelsea to his signature, it seems that could potentially pave the way for Upamecano to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

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What is the latest transfer news involving Chelsea?

Chelsea have made De Ligt a key target as Thomas Tuchel looks to plug the holes in his central defence, but the west London club now look resigned to losing out on the Dutchman to Bayern.

Journalist Nathan Gissing of gianlucadimarzio.com recently stated that Chelsea believe De Ligt will move to the Allianz Arena in a blow to Tuchel.

Having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, the German was clearly hoping for the Netherlands international to come in and replace one of the former Blues duo.

However, it looks like he will now have to explore other options, such as and Kalidou Koulibaly and Upamecano, who is currently valued at £76m by the CIES Football Observatory.

What has Crook said about Upamecano and Chelsea?

While it looks like Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Koulibaly from Napoli, Crook has told GIVEMESPORT that Upamecano is also seen as an alternative to De Ligt at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to GMS about other centre-back options Tuchel could consider if he misses out on De Ligt, the talkSPORT reporter said: "At the moment, he looks to be leaning towards Bayern Munich, and that could have a knock-on effect. I've been told to keep an eye on Dayot Upamecano if De Ligt does end up at Bayern."

Would Upamecano be a good alternative to De Ligt?

Losing out on De Ligt would be disappointing, but signing Koulibaly or Upamecano would definitely soften the blow.

The latter, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in a £38m deal a year ago, is one of the best young defenders in Europe.

As per FBref, Upamecano has ranked in the 96th percentile for pressures, the 90th for tackles and the 84th for interceptions among centre-backs over the last year. Looking at that, the Frenchman seems capable of replacing Rudiger's aggressiveness.

He has also ranked in the 99th percentile for passes attempted, the 98th for progressive passes and the 96th for progressive carries, so he is a central defender who could help Chelsea to play out from the back, too.

Ultimately, if Chelsea fail to land De Ligt or Koulibaly this summer, then they should consider turning to Upamecano.