Chelsea’s summer rebuild is already accelerating after confirming Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract.
The Spaniard will officially begin work at Stamford Bridge this summer and, unlike several previous Chelsea managers, Alonso reportedly holds significant influence over transfers.
Chelsea want quality additions instead of another major squad overhaul. The Blues are expected to focus mainly on signing a goalkeeper, a striker and a new central defender ahead of next season.
The Blues have already opened talks with a prolific striker for a possible move this summer, as Transfer News Live revealed earlier.
Also, defence has quickly become one of Alonso’s biggest priorities despite Chelsea already having several centre-backs in the squad.
The new manager reportedly wants a defender comfortable playing aggressively in possession-based systems while also bringing more leadership to the backline.
Now, according to TEAMtalk, Xabi Alonso wants Chelsea to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba this summer.
The report claims Chelsea already admired the Burkina Faso international before Alonso agreed to join the club.
However, Alonso’s arrival reportedly strengthened internal support for the move because of the defender’s experience under the Spaniard at Leverkusen.
Chelsea believe Tapsoba’s understanding of Alonso’s tactical demands could help accelerate the manager’s ideas at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old recently signed a new contract at Bayer Leverkusen until 2031. Despite that extension, reports claim several clubs still believe a transfer could become possible this summer.
Chelsea also want more experience inside the defensive unit alongside several younger centre-backs already at Stamford Bridge.
Now, with Alonso officially preparing for his first season in England, Chelsea’s transfer planning continues gathering pace behind the scenes.
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