Chelsea Target Leverkusen Star Tapsoba For Summer Deal

Chelsea are lining up a major summer pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, as the club moves to satisfy a key request from incoming manager Xabi Alonso, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Alonso has signed a four-year deal to take over at Stamford Bridge, and unlike his predecessors, he has been given significant influence over transfer decisions.

This summer, Chelsea are expected to prioritise quality over quantity. Alonso has identified three priority positions: a goalkeeper, a striker, and a ball-playing centre-back.

Despite having plenty of options in central defence, Alonso reportedly has reservations about the current group.

Sources indicate that Burkina Faso international Tapsoba has emerged as a genuine target as Chelsea reshape their squad for Alonso’s first season.

The 1.94m (6ft 4in) defender signed a new long-term contract with Leverkusen only last April, running until 2031.

Leverkusen face a period of upheaval after finishing a disappointing sixth in the Bundesliga. The club is expected to part ways with head coach Kasper Hjulmand, and uncertainty now surrounds several senior players.

Tapsoba, 27, is among those whose future could come under scrutiny as Leverkusen plan their rebuild.

Chelsea had already identified Tapsoba as a defensive upgrade before Alonso’s arrival, but the Spaniard’s endorsement has only strengthened internal interest. Sources say the Blues will now decide how to proceed.

Multiple departures are expected at Chelsea this summer as part of another squad overhaul, with recruitment staff prioritizing quality and experience over sheer numbers. Tapsoba is seen internally as a perfect fit for that strategy.

His prior experience in Alonso’s tactical system at Leverkusen is viewed as a major advantage, potentially accelerating the implementation of the manager’s ideas. Chelsea also admire his composure on the ball, recovery pace, and ability to thrive in aggressive defensive setups.

There is growing recognition at the club that Chelsea’s backline needs more leadership and experience alongside its younger defenders. Tapsoba is seen as someone who can bring stability and tactical intelligence.

Leverkusen are not actively pushing him out, but TEAMtalk understands they would demand a substantial fee if serious offers arrive, given his recent extension. Chelsea know a deal would be expensive but believe Tapsoba’s profile, age, and experience make him one of the standout defensive options available this summer.

With Alonso now officially preparing to take charge, Chelsea’s recruitment planning is accelerating rapidly, and Tapsoba’s name is gaining increasing traction behind the scenes.

A new centre-back is high on the priority list, following a Wednesday report that Enzo Fernández had also recommended the Blues sign one of his international teammates in a highly controversial deal.