Bayern Munich are close to securing a contract extension for defender Dayot Upamecano, whose current deal runs until the summer of 2026.

After months of challenging negotiations, the club has made significant headway. 

According to reports, talks have advanced considerably following a series of positive discussions in recent weeks, leaving Bayern increasingly confident that an agreement will be reached with the 27-year-old Frenchman.

Despite the progress, Upamecano continues to attract interest from several top European clubs, with Real Madrid among those reportedly monitoring his situation.

Even if the extension is finalised, Bayern remain determined to strengthen their defensive options. German media outlets report that the Bavarian giants will stay active in the market for another centre-back, regardless of Upamecano’s decision.

Among the names consistently linked with a move to the Allianz Arena are Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.

The potential departure of South Korean defender Kim Min-jae at the end of the season has further heightened the need for reinforcements.

Should Kim leave, one of the aforementioned targets could arrive as his direct replacement, ensuring Bayern maintain depth and quality at the heart of their defence.

With negotiations now in an encouraging phase, the coming weeks will reveal whether Upamecano commits his long-term future to the Bundesliga champions or becomes the latest high-profile name to depart. 

For now, the signs are promising that the 2021 signing from RB Leipzig will stay and form part of Bayern’s defensive core for years to come.

Up next for Bayern is a trip to Union Berlin for a mouthwatering clash in the DFB Pokal.

Last time both sides met in early November saw Union Berlin halted the Bavarian winning streak with a 2-2 draw. Wednesday fixture promises yet another important clash between both sides.