Bayern Munich star sends message to Chelsea over £53m transfer | Football

Dayot Upamecano has distanced himself from speculation that he could possibly be set for a big-money transfer move in January, insisting he stays ‘very pleased’ at Bayern Munich.

Upamecano has began all but two of Bayern’s opening 11 matches within the Bundesliga this term, in what’s his fourth season with the German champions.

The 27-year-old centre-back has been a near ever-present within the team since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021, helping the club win three league titles and three German Super Cups in that point.

But Upamecano’s current contract on the Allianz Arena is on account of expire in six months’ time and talks over a possible renewal have to this point come to nothing.

Recent reports emanating out of Germany suggested the ‘game of poker’ between Upamecano’s camp and Bayern had been ‘dragging on for months’, with little sign of a resolution on the horizon.

And though Upamecano and his family are well settled in Munich, the defender’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, is alleged to have one eye on the transfer market, aware of growing interest around Europe.

Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea are all believed to be keeping close tabs on the situation, with the France international available on a free transfer next summer as things stand.

While Bayern value Upamecano within the region of €60million (£53m), the club must resolve whether to think about selling the centre-half this winter – or risk losing him for nothing at the tip of the season.

Asked for an update on his future after getting on the scoresheet in Bayern’s 6-2 defeat of SC Freiburg on Saturday, Upamecano told reporters: ‘I’m very pleased here.

‘He [Vincent Kompany] is an impressive coach and we talk rather a lot.

‘It’s fun to play under him! I’m very happy that he has prolonged his contract.

‘All of us feel very comfortable under him.’

Upamecano was keen to reassure fans that his ultimate decision wouldn’t be determined by money.

‘No, no. It has nothing to do with money,’ the Frenchman added.

‘We’re discussing it. We talk rather a lot with [Bayern directors] Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.

‘I’m satisfied, I’m having a great season, I’m doing my job, I’m giving every little thing for this club.

‘I could say that 100 more times, but we’ll see what happens.’

Talking to Sky Deutschland earlier this month, Bayern’s sporting director Eberl stressed that the club were doing every little thing of their power to secure Upamecano on a brand new contract.

‘It’s normal if other clubs are calling his agents, it’s a part of the sport,’ he explained.

‘I’ve already said that we would like to do our greatest and get recent contract done. We’re on it.’

‘Upa has developed into probably the greatest centre-backs on this planet. He went through a phase where he made just a few mistakes.

‘We’re working and ensuring we do every little thing we are able to to make Dayot Upamecano sign a brand new contract.’

Bayern head coach Kompany, meanwhile, has repeatedly underlined his desire to maintain hold of Upamecano beyond the tip of the 2025/26 campaign.

‘I’m not the just one making the choice,’ the Belgian said.

‘I at all times see my players as barely higher than everyone else. Dayot Upamecano is a completely essential a part of our team.

‘We have now very clearly defined roles in our club. It’s not only me who makes the choice.’

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