Chelsea have held talks about signing a “big name” player this month, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich believed to be “really worried”, according to a new report.
Chelsea brought back down to Earth after Sunderland defeat
After a run of four straight wins in all competitions, Enzo Maresca would be forgiven for thinking they were on for a fifth when summer signing Alejandro Garnacho brilliantly opened the scoring against Sunderland with his first goal for the club.
However, much to the surprise of on-lookers, it was all downhill from that moment.
Sunderland, who have made one of the best starts to a Premier League campaign by a newly-promoted side in years, levelled the score just under 20 minutes later through Wilson Isidor — staying in the game before Chemsdine Talbi fired a glorious winner in added time.
For Regis Le Bris’ side, the fairytale start continues, but for Chelsea, it’s a stark reminder that they’re far from the finished article.
Chelsea haven’t been helped by injuries lately, but going by Maresca’s post-match verdict, he is still far from satisfied with the Blues’ defensive options.
Cole Palmer
Groin
December
Benoit Badiashile
Muscle
December
Dario Essugo
Thigh
Early 2026
Liam Delap
Hamstring
October 29
Levi Colwill
ACL
Spring 2026
Malo Gusto
Suspended
October 29
Maresca publicly urged Chelsea to sign another centre-back in the summer window, and reports suggest that Chelsea are set to prioritise a defensive signing in the January transfer window.
It is also believed that Chelsea have held discussions with Marc Guehi’s camp about a cut-price winter move with his deal expiring next summer, but as per journalist Graeme Bailey, they’re considering another “big name” option for 2026 too.
Chelsea hold discussions this month about signing Dayot Upamecano
That man is apparently Bayern star Dayot Upamecano, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Vincent Kompany’s defence.
While the Bavarians are trying to tie him down with an extension, Upamecano is poised to leave on a free transfer as things stand with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, similar to Guehi.
Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, reports that Chelsea have held discussions this month about signing Upamecano on a free transfer next year — expanding on his point that Bayern are “really worried” he could leave.
The 27-year-old France international is a world-class defender on his day, but it is worth noting that Upamecano was limited to just 20 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a combination of various injury issues and suspension.
That being said, snapping up the former RB Leipzig star on a Bosman poses very little risk for Chelsea financially, even if they could be forced to make him one of Chelsea’s top five best-paid players — given Upamecano’s current terms of around £168,000-per-week.