Chelsea are considering a significant summer move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba as new manager Xabi Alonso seeks to reshape the squad, according to TEAMtalk. Alonso, recently appointed on a four-year deal, has been granted considerable influence over transfer decisions at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are prioritizing quality over quantity this summer, with Alonso identifying a new goalkeeper, striker, and ball-playing centre-half as key areas for improvement. While Chelsea have options in central defence, sources suggest Alonso has reservations about the current personnel. Tapsoba, a Burkina Faso international, has emerged as a serious target to address this.
Tapsoba signed a new long-term contract with Leverkusen in April, extending his stay until 2031, but this has not deterred Chelsea from exploring a potential deal. Leverkusen are anticipating a period of transition following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga and the expected departure of head coach Kasper Hjulmand, leading to uncertainty over several senior players.
TEAMtalk reports that Tapsoba’s future is among those under scrutiny as Leverkusen assesses its squad for a rebuild. Chelsea’s interest in the 27-year-old predates Alonso’s arrival, but the Spaniard’s appointment has strengthened the club’s appreciation for Tapsoba’s profile. The Blues are planning a major squad overhaul and are focusing on recruiting players with quality and experience.
Tapsoba’s experience playing under Alonso’s tactical system at Leverkusen is seen as a significant advantage, with Chelsea believing his familiarity with the manager’s demands could facilitate a smoother implementation of his ideas. His composure, recovery pace, and ability to thrive in aggressive defensive setups are all qualities admired by the Chelsea recruitment staff. The club also believes Tapsoba could bring much-needed leadership and experience to the backline.
Leverkusen are not actively seeking to sell Tapsoba, but would expect a substantial fee given his recent contract extension. Chelsea are aware of the potential cost, but believe his profile, age, and experience make him a standout option. With Alonso now in place, Chelsea’s recruitment planning is accelerating, and Tapsoba is gaining traction as a potential signing.
