Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive ace Edmond Tapsoba, who is expected to cost around £60 million.
A recent report from Express sheds light on the future of Edmond Tapsoba. The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has attracted interest from across Europe following a successful campaign in the Bundesliga, although Die Werkself are determined to keep hold of his services for at least another season.
The report has ruled Arsenal out from a potential move for Tapsoba, but their league rivals in Chelsea and Manchester United are still keeping an eye on the situation. They are, however, well aware of the fact that the centre-back is set to cost around £60 million, as Leverkusen have recently removed a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to leave for just £44 million.
Tapsoba is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga, having enjoyed a swift rise to prominence since joining Leverkusen in January 2020. The 2020/21 campaign, in particular, was a breakthrough one for him, as the Burkina Faso international built a relatively solid defensive partnership with Jonathan Tah, Sven Bender & co.
Tapsoba’s contributions were key in helping Leverkusen achieve a top five finish in the Bundesliga, securing Europa League football for next season. His £60 million price tag, though could rule Manchester United out of the chase, as the Red Devils are interested in a host of other, more proven alternatives that are expected to cost around the same.
Raphael Varane, for one, is tipped to cost €70 million, which is quite reasonable for a player of his calibre. He is much more experienced, offering not only that but also leadership and a winning mentality to the table.
Chelsea, however, are in a better position to fund a move for Tapsoba, as they do require a major reinforcement in the defensive unit. Fikayo Tomori is already expected to make his AC Milan move permanent while Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are in the final phase of their respective careers.
The Blues, therefore, need multiple defensive signings, although someone like Maxence Lacroix does indeed seem like a much better yet cost-effective alternative to Tapsoba, whose lucrative new contract should make it difficult for any club to snap him from Leverkusen this summer.
What will Maxence Lacroix bring to the table for Chelsea? | THT Opinions
It might work in favour of both parties, though, as another impressive season for Tapsoba will help the player land a more lucrative offer next summer while driving up the valuation for Leverkusen.
