Xabi Alonso eyes Chelsea reunion with Leverkusen defender | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso is eager to reunite with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba at Chelsea this summer. 

Alonso wants to add an experienced defender to his centre-back stocks this summer and Tapsoba has emerged as a candidate.

The 27-year-old was an important part of Leverkusen’s title success under Alonso in 2023/24 and has had a standout Bundesliga campaign this term.

The Burkina Faso international has scored five goals and laid on three assists, while ranking among the Bundesliga’s best centre-backs for touches, successful passes, and accurate long balls.

According to TEAMtalk, Tapsoba has been placed on Chelsea’s wish-list, but a recent new contract at Leverkusen complicates matters.

The defender signed a new long-term deal with Leverkusen last month, which contains a release clause of €95m (£82m), a situation that leaves the German side in a strong position.

There’s an internal recognition that Chelsea require more leadership, particularly defensively. Tapsoba is viewed as an ideal option given his familiarity with Alonso’s methods.

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