Xabi Alonso is eyeing defensive reinforcements at Chelsea this summer.
Alonso inherits a squad at Stamford Bridge that lacks strong and technically astute leaders at the back, with several defenders on the chopping block.
Wesley Fofana has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and the Spanish boss arguably feels that Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and the returning Axel Disasi shouldn't be regular starters for a team eyeing success.
Levi Colwill, on the other hand, is nailed on to start for Chelsea after impressing since his return from an ACL injury, and Jorrel Hato could also be utilised as a left centre-back in Alonso's interchangeable 3-4-1-2 system.
But the 44-year-old still wants to capture a top-level defender, and he could reunite with his title-winning hero Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea target Edmond Tapsoba modelled his game off Virgil van Dijk
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are weighing up a "huge" summer move for Tapsoba, and the 6' 4" giant ticks multiple boxes.
Although the Burkina Faso international signed a new long-term contract in April that expires in 2031, potential suitors - including the Blues - haven't been discouraged from exploring a deal for the defender once the transfer window opens.
Tapsoba has established himself as one of the most all round centre-backs in the Bundesliga since making his debut for Leverkusen in 2020. Combining an elite physical presence with ball-playing and leadership qualities, the 27-year-old has all the attributes to flourish in England's top-flight.
Crucially, Tapsoba has experience of operating within Alonso's tactical structure at Bayer Leverkusen and those at Stamford Bridge believe his familiarity with the Spaniard's demands could help him implement a new system in West London.
It's also clear to see that the African star has modelled his game from Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, previously admitting this in an interview with The Athletic in 2020.
""He’s the best defender in the world, and someone I really look up to," Tapsoba said of the Dutchman, and he isn't the only player he's taken inspiration from. "
Tapsoba has also looked up to John Stones
To be successful in Alonso's system, building from defence is essential, and Tapsoba has displayed incredible passing attributes throughout his time in Germany.
According to FotMob, Tapsoba ranks in the top 5 per cent for successful passes per 90 in the Bundesliga this term (76.55), as well as in the top 11 per cent for accurate long balls (3.53), evincing his strength in ball progression.
Unsurprisingly, elite ball-playing attributes stem from his admiration for Manchester City's John Stones, arguably the best defender of this generation at carrying the ball out from defence.
"“John Stones at Everton, I really enjoyed watching him; he made a huge impression on me. His manner on the ball, and the way he played with the ball. I loved that," Tapsoba admitted. "I still go back to Stones when it comes to playing in a certain style.”"
Tapsoba seems to be the perfect signing for Chelsea to inspire success under Alonso, while improving those around him.
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