According to a report from outlet ‘Central Defense’ via Fichajes Futbol, Real Madrid want to propose a Jesus Vallejo swap deal in order to land Man City defensive target Dayot Upamecano this summer – with the Sky Blues now facing stiff competition and a potential setback.
Upamecano, who has already been tipped as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, has amassed 21 German top flight starts for RB Leipzig this campaign – all the while proving a formidable addition at the back under astute tactician Julian Nagelsmann.
The Frenchman, currently valued at around €40 million (£35.7 million) after a reported drop in his price tag due to the global pandemic, has already garnered a stellar reputation – being likened to France footballing icon Marcel Desailly and described as a ‘man-mountain’ by Bundesliga.
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Dayot Upamecano
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According to this website, Upamecano has also averaged an impressive 91% pass accuracy in the games he’s played this season, potentially highlighting the fact he would be a superb addition under Pep Guardiola.
However, as per this report, European giants Real Madrid are also interested in the defender and are willing to swap Vallejo in a proposed barter arrangement – potentially damning City’s hopes of acquiring the 21-year-old.
Upamecano’s stats courtesy of WhoScored suggest why missing out on his signature could be a setback for the Sky Blues, with the youngster averaging the most blocks out of any Leipzig player domestically whilst making the second-most tackles.
As City potentially gear up to fight Real for the centre-half, his stellar reputation may well be worth the effort.