Chelsea identify €21,000 per-week African star as Wesley Fofana alternative, set to begin talks.

• | Men's team.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba as a potential signing before the end of the summer transfer window.

While Thomas Tuchel has been active in the market of late, the Blues head coach is known to be keen to sign at least three more players.

A fresh face for the right-hand side of his back three is a priority with Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James having deputised there during the early weeks of the new Premier League campaign.

Chelsea's preference is to secure a deal for Wesley Fofana, but Leicester City have rejected a number of bids for the Frenchman in recent weeks. Leicester have recently rejected a third bid from Chelsea, an offer that was said to be around £70 million plus add-ons.

However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers admitted on Thursday that the player would miss a third successive game, leaving Chelsea hopeful of eventually getting a transfer over the line.

Nevertheless, Chelsea and Tuchel need alternatives in the event that they are priced out of a move for Fofana, and it appears that they have their eyes on someone who currently features in the Bundesliga.

According to The Sun, Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Tapsoba, who would cost less than Fofana.

However, the report claims that Leverkusen may be prepared to demand in the region of £60m for the Burkina Faso international, aware what Chelsea are willing to spend on Fofana.

As it stands, it is suggested that Chelsea have not progressed past making an enquiry about the 23-year-old's availability.

Since making the switch to the BayArena in January 2020, Tapsoba has made 63 starts and seven substitute appearances in Germany's top flight.

Although he helped Leverkusen to a top-four finish during 2021-22, Tapsoba has also been part of the team which has lost three successive Bundesliga fixtures this campaign.

Leverkusen remain in a strong position with regards to his future with four years still remaining on his contract

Chelsea will look to complete the signing of Fofana, Tapsoba or another player before allowing Trevoh Chalobah to take a loan opportunity elsewhere.

Edmond Tapsoba

Edmond Tapsoba, 23, plays for the Burkina Faso National team, and as per reports, earns a weekly fee of €21,154 at Bayer Leverkusen.

With Arsenal also reportedly interested in Tapsoba, Thomas Tuchel could now look to beat the north London side to the 23-year-old titan in the last week of the transfer window, with Chelsea desperate to sign a new defender before the end of the market next Thursday.

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