Defensive reinforcements look to be on their way at Chelsea in a boost to Xabi Alonso.
Alonso is set to take charge of the club in July and will be well aware that this Chelsea squad could do with some strengthening.
The Blues recently lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City and are eighth in the Premier League table. It means they could find themselves in the Conference League again next season.
DISCUSS: Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer
Robert Lewandowski graphic with bold statement
Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Chelsea considering Edmond Tapsoba move
To ensure that they have a much better campaign next year, Chelsea are expected to improve their defence this summer. It means they could end up moving for one of Alonso’s former players, Edmond Tapsoba.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are weighing up making an offer for the Bayer Leverkusen defender when the transfer window opens.
Tapsoba was part of a Leverkusen defence that went a season unbeaten under Alonso in the Bundesliga.
They won the title during that campaign, with Tapsoba making 28 league appearances. The Burkina Faso international is someone whom Alonso trusts, so the new Chelsea manager is likely to give his approval for him to be signed.
(LR) Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen and Head coach Xabi Alonso
Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
As well as a new centre-back, a goalkeeper could also be brought to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026/27 season.
It is thought that Chelsea have a shortlist of six shot-stoppers as they look to improve between the sticks.
Edmond Tapsoba’s stats under Xabi Alonso
Alonso relied on Tapsoba heavily during his time as Leverkusen manager. As per Transfermarkt, the centre-half made 125 appearances under his former boss.
He also managed to score five goals and provide five assists before Alonso left for Real Madrid last summer.
Tapsoba is quite a strong defender who knows how to get rid of danger. According to WhoScored, he is making 4.8 clearances per game this season, which is the joint-highest average in Leverkusen’s squad.
All in all, Tapsoba is a centre-half a lot of Chelsea fans would probably say yes to this summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox