Chelsea have reportedly been made aware of Dayot Upamecano's potential availability later in the summer transfer window.
Despite it long being known that Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger would be leaving Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are yet to replace either of the centre-backs.
If reports are to be believed, Manchester City's Nathan Ake could take the spot of Rudiger on the left-hand side of a back three, providing that a transfer fee can be agreed with the Premier League champions.
However, head coach Thomas Tuchel is eager to ensure that at least two fresh faces are brought in as competition for his current crop, which may soon be further depleted with other defenders being linked with a transfer elsewhere.
According to 90min, Chelsea could find themselves in a situation where they are diverting their attention to Upamecano.
The West Londoners are allegedly expected to be left frustrated in their efforts to get a deal over the line for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The Netherlands international is said to prefer a switch to Bayern, even though the Bundesliga champions are yet to agree a fee with their Juventus counterparts.
Nevertheless, the arrival of De Ligt at the Allianz Arena would potentially result in Upamecano having to drop down to the substitutes' bench.
In his first year at Bayern, the 23-year-old made a total of 25 starts and three substitute outings in Germany's top flight, a solid return on his step up from RB Leizpig.
The exit of Niklas Sule should, in theory, lead to Upamecano earning more chances in the first team under Julian Nagelsmann, but the big-money addition of De Ligt would leave his place under threat.
The report adds that the representatives of Upamecano are actively monitoring the situation, aware that starting the season on the substitutes' bench would leave the player struggling to earn a spot in France's World Cup squad.
Although Chelsea have not necessarily been planning a move for Upamecano after missing out last year, the report says that the English giants would be open to negotiating a deal should it become a realistic possibility.
Bayern would allegedly look to receive in the region of €50m (£42.3m) if they decide to cash in on a player who they signed for €42.5m in 2021.
Upamecano still has four years remaining on his contract, leaving Bayern in a strong position when it comes to making a call on his future. body check tags ::
