William Gallas believes Chelsea should target a certain “very solid” player at Euro 2024 during the summer transfer window.
The Blues are observing this summer’s tournament with curiosity as they plan moves for many foreign talents, much like their Premier League rivals.
After veteran Thiago Silva’s four-year contract at Stamford Bridge concluded at the conclusion of 2023–24, Gallas is eager to see his old team sign a new center defender.
Although Chelsea has several youthful centre backs, Gallas believes the west Londoners need a “leader” at the center of their defense.
Dayot Upamecano, who is a member of the France team for Euro 2024, has been identified by Gallas as the perfect Silva replacement should Chelsea be able to lure Bayern Munich into selling. The Blues are currently tracking Upamecano, so this trade may actually happen.
“Thiago Silva needs to be replaced at center back for Chelsea,” Gallas told Gambling Zone that he played for France and received 84 caps between 2002 and 2010.
Although Wesley Fofana is a talented player, his propensity for injuries has severely hindered his development.
“My top priority in the summer would be to sign a world-class defender for Chelsea, as their current defense is devoid of experienced players.”
Dayot Upamecano is good and has performed admirably for France in the Euros, so perhaps he could be a nice alternative. I haven’t really given it much attention.
They want a leader and defense who can understand the game since an experienced player has played a lot of games and is able to manage a match and various circumstances.
How much would Dayot Upamecano cost?
Bayern officials deem Dayot Upamecano surplus to requirements, according to German outlet Bild, with the Frenchman guilty of making a string of high-profile blunders across the club’s trophyless 2023-24 campaign.
Upamecano’s current deal in Munich runs through to the summer of 2026 and it’s believed Bayern would demand a fee in excess of £40m for the defender from potential suitors.
“With the players they have, they need a leader who can inspire and mentor them. If they are young, they have a different profile.”
Upamecano, who left another Bundesliga team RB Leipzig in 2021 to join Bayern Munich, has played 114 games for the team so far.
With a contract that runs through June 2026, the 25-year-old—who has been selected to the Bundesliga Team of the Season twice—is currently covered.