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Alonso seriously plotting big-money Chelsea move to sign Leverkusen star

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Published May 21, 2026, 8:41 AM GMT+1

Tom is a football journalist with five years of experience. He has been featured in the Non-League Paper, Crawley Observer, Sussex Express and The RedmenTV - producing features, news and conducting interviews.

For Football FanCast, Tom has sat down with a number of names from the industry, including Ally McCoist, Philippe Senderos and Chris Waddle. Elsewhere, he has covered the National League South final, the Formula E London Prix, Crawley Town and Brighton’s U21s.

Tom enjoys writing features about teams in the Football League and Premier League, whilst also receiving the opportunity to conduct interviews on behalf of FFC.

Having written for The RedmenTV, he is particularly an expert on all things Liverpool.

Xabi Alonso is already drawing up a shortlist of his first summer targets as Chelsea manager, which includes towering Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Alonso planning first Chelsea signings

There's a lot of work for the new Chelsea manager to do this summer. The Blues are back to square one for the umpteenth time and could even go without European qualification this season. Yet, in comes Alonso nonetheless - tasked with doing what so many others before him have failed to do by making BlueCo's project a success.

Crucially, things are slightly different this time around. Unlike Liam Rosenior, Alonso is taking up the role of manager rather than just head coach. This means that he'll hold significant responsibility for sales and recruitment, rather than what just happens on the pitch.

It's power that he's looking to put to good use right away if recent reports are anything to go by. According to TeamTalk, Alonso is seriously plotting a move to sign Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen.

The towering defender has been on Chelsea's radar for some time and could now become the new manager's first big-money signing. Of course, having gone invincible in the Bundesliga with Alonso, those at Stamford Bridge will already be aware that it's a match made in heaven.

It's not just the Spaniard that's a fan, however. BlueCo are also keen on Tapsoba. In what feels like a rarity, everyone in West London is pushing in the same direction.

Alonso at Leverkusen

Games	140
Wins	89
Draws	32
Defeats	19
Goals conceded	155

Chelsea have been on the hunt for a defensive leader for some time and whilst Levi Colwill's injury didn't help at the start of the season, they are yet to sign someone capable of filling that role like Tapsoba.

Chelsea should go all out for Tapsoba

A deal for Tapsoba simply makes perfect sense. The 6 foot 4 defender has thrived in Alonso's system in the past, going invincible. He's the dominant centre-back that Chelsea have been lacking and looks like he could be on his way out of Leverkusen sooner rather than later. It's an excellent opportunity for the Blues.

League stats 25/26

Wesley Fofana

Edmond Tapsoba

Minutes	1,664	2,576
Tackles	19	31
Recoveries	78	154
Duel success	61.4%	55%

The 27-year-old excels where Wesley Fofana struggles. When it comes to recovering possession, Tapsoba could particularly improve Chelsea.

Their running numbers have failed them all season long. Alonso is unlikely to stand for that. It's why he could do with a signing who knows his standards and one who'd offer an instant upgrade.

If BlueCo want to instantly back their new manager, then sanctioning the reunion with his former defender should be among their top priorities this summer.