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Bayern Munich see Dayot Upamecano as Lucas Hernandez alternative

By Kiran Thakare

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 19: Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig and Paco Alcacer of Borussia Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund at Red Bull Arena on January 19, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 19: Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig and Paco Alcacer of Borussia Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund at Red Bull Arena on January 19, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig if they cannot get Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez.

Bayern Munich’s defensive frailties were again glaringly obvious against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. The Bavarians slipped down to third in the Bundesliga after their 3-1 defeat at Bayer Arena.

The defending German champions need to improve defensively in order to win any silverware this season. One way they are expected to address this problem is by adding depth in central defense over the summer transfer window.

Bayern have already secured the signing of Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart, and the Frenchman will join in the summer. Though he can play at full-back, he is expected to primarily operate as a center-back. There are also suggestions in Germany that Bayern want at least one more defender in the summer. Lucas Hernandez is the top target for the Bavarians, but they are also monitoring other young center-backs if the World Cup winner decides to remain with Atletico Madrid.

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According to a report from TZ, another young French defender is attracting interest from the Bavarian giants. 20-year-old Dayot Upamecano has emerged as the fallback option for Die Roten if they fail to sign Hernandez. TZ’s claim has been backed by Sport Bild, who add that Bayern and RB Leipzig have not yet held any talks over a potential transfer.

The Rekordmeister passed up the opportunity to sign Upamecano from Red Bull Salzburg in 2015. He now has a contract with RB Leipzig lasting until 2021, and Bayern could have to pay up to €100 million to convince Leipzig to sell him. Many top European clubs are interested in the Frenchman, and Leipzig would prefer him to leave for another league than to sell him to their biggest rivals.

Upamecano is one of the best young defensive talents in Europe. He has been a mainstay in Leipzig’s defense for the past two seasons, despite his young age. The Frenchman reads the game brilliantly and has a great duel success rate. His ability on the ball is good as well, and he has all the qualities to become one of the best central defenders in Europe.

Next. Benjamin Pavard is excited to join Bayern Munich. dark

Price in the transfer market have inflated heavily over the past few years, so Bayern will have to pay a pretty penny if they want Upamecano. Lucas Hernandez has reportedly agreed personal terms with Bayern, but Atletico are hoping to convince him to sign a new long-term contract. Whether Hernandez, Upamecano or another player, expect Bayern to add even more depth at center-back this summer.

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