Former Chelsea and France defender William Gallas has recommended that Chelsea sign Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano to replace Thiago Silva, Soccernet.football reports.
Chelsea have already acquired Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a free transfer. There is speculation that they may seek another center-back, contingent on whether Trevoh Chalobah leaves.
Thiago Silva’s four-year tenure ended emotionally last season, leaving Chelsea in need of his experience at the back.
While Chelsea have several talented young defenders, such as Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana, they lack an experienced leader.
Gallas believes Upamecano could fill this gap.
“Chelsea need a center-back to replace Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana is quality but he’s so injury prone and his big knee injury hampered his progress completely,” he told Gambling Zone, as per Metro.
“Right now, Chelsea’s defenders are all young and they lack a world class defender, so that would be my priority in the summer.
“I haven’t really thought about it, Dayot Upamecano is good and has been very solid for France at the Euros so maybe he could be a good option.
“They need a defender who can read the game and can be a leader, because when you have experience you’ve played so many games and know how to control a match and different situations.
“If they are young, they have a different profile and with the players they have, they need a leader who can drive them and who can teach them.”
Chelsea have been linked with Upamecano recently, and Bayern Munich may be open to selling the France international. Upamecano has made 114 appearances for Bayern and is contracted until 2026.
However, a decision on his future may not be made until after the Euros, where he is a key defender for France.
Upamecano has appeared in every minute of France’s three group games in Germany, helping Les Bleus keep two clean sheets to reach the knockout rounds unbeaten.