Sources: Chelsea race Liverpool to sign 'extraordinary' centre-back
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(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media) Sun 2 November 2025 21:00, UK Liverpool are determined to sign a new centre-back in the January window as they aim to turn around what has become a turbulent season at Anfield.Arne Slot’s side beat Aston Villa 2-0 last time out, earning a first Premier League win in four attempts, and a first clean sheet in 11 games across all competitions.However, a significant reason for their recent decline in form is the lack of defensive stability, while they are majorly short of numbers and depth at the back.Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remain the first-choice duo, but a serious injury to Giovanni Leoni has left Slot scrambling for covering options.As a result, Football Insider revealed Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back in January and are assessing a number of options for the role.Credit: ImagoLiverpool in ‘open race’ to sign Dayot UpamecanoFormer Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Dayot Upamecano and have been watching his performances.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man United are also keeping tabs on the defender’s situation and are keen to land him on a free transfer should he become available. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The France international is out of contract at Bayern Munich at the end of the season, placing a number of Europe’s elite clubs on alert with a move in mind.Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Well, I’m sure they’ll be hoping that maybe they could sign a player of the calibre of Upamecano on a potential free transfer in the summer.
“You’ve got Liverpool looking at centre-backs, you’ve also got Chelsea probably looking at centre-back in 2026. “Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Upamecano before as well, and Real Madrid were also looking for centre-back reinforcements next year as well.
Credit: Imago“Right now it’s probably an open race for signature as there’ll be so many clubs ready to sign him on a free transfer. “If a new deal can’t be agreed but Bayern are doing everything they can to try and persuade the Frenchman to stay.”Not only have elite European clubs taken note of the defender’s performances, but his former manager Thomas Tuchel once labelled him “extraordinary” for his displays. [FC Bayern]Bayern Munich respond to Upamencano interestFootball Insider revealed on 2 November that Bayern Munich have no plans to lose Upamecano despite his contract situation and remain in talks with his representatives.Bayern are doing everything possible to tie the France international down to a new contract and deter the growing interest from a number of top clubs across Europe.This was confirmed after the club’s director, Max Eberl, confirmed Bayern want Upamecano to extend his contract and have no plans to let him leave as things stand.Credit: ImagoMeanwhile, Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top target after they missed out on his signing from Crystal Palace when a £35million deal fell through on deadline day.England star Ezri Konsa is also a target for Liverpool and would represent an alternative to Guehi should he be allowed to leave Aston Villa in the near future.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.