Chelsea eye Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba as Fofana’s replacement
By Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor
Following the refusal of Leicester City to part ways with Wesley Fofana below anything that falls from the target of a record sale, Chelsea have pencilled down Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba as the next option before the transfer window ends on September 1.
The Blues’ prime target Fofana, who is keen to join Thomas Tuchel’s side and avoided training with Leicester City, was withdrawn from the Foxes’ first team squad to train with the U23 squad.
Chelsea are not deterred despite Leicester City rejecting several of their offers for the former Saint-Etienne teenager with their latest bid of £70million outrightly turned down.
Reportedly, Leicester City are targeting to sell the 21-year-old for a price that surpasses the record sale of Harry Maguire to Manchester United in 2019.
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However, with the limited top-class defensive option before Thomas Tuchel to process the 2022-2023 season, Chelsea would likely swoop for the 23-year-old Bundesliga defender if the Foxes continue dilly-dallying with the Frenchman’s negotiations.
Tapsoba has four years left in Leverkusen and may cost Chelsea far less than Wesley but Leverkusen may not heed Chelsea’s demand since the Burkinabe has a pretty long time to spend at BayArena.
Notwithstanding the resolve by Leverkusen, Chelsea can leverage Callum Hudson-Odoi’s loan move to the BayArena to fast-track negotiations for Tapsoba.
The winger, according to reports, has earlier informed Chelsea of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge in a bid to get regular football and is already in advanced talks with the Bundesliga club.
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