Chelsea are likely to make Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba “one of their top priority targets” to strengthen the defence, according to Caught Offside.

The website claims that the Burkina Faso international is being lined up as a possible replacement for Trevoh Chalobah.

Bayern Munich were keen on signing Chalobah during the summer transfer window and there is an expectation that the 24-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge in the not-too-distant future.

Tapsoba is a highly rated centre-half but he does have a pretty substantial price tag, with some reports suggesting that Leverkusen could demand as much as €60m (£52m) for the player.

What do Chelsea fans need to know about Tapsoba?

The defender moved to Europe in 2017 to join Portuguese side Leixoes. He hadn’t even made his senior debut before he made the switch to Vitoria Guimaraes.

Tapsoba made enough of an impression in the six months after making his first-team debut for Vitoria to seal a move to Leverkusen in January 2020. The German club paid a hefty €18m (plus another €7m in add-ons) to sign him.

Tapsoba has played a key role in Leverkusen’s outstanding start to the season

After establishing himself as a regular starter for the Bundesliga club over the last three years, things have really come together for Tapsoba and his team this campaign.

Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen are unbeaten in all competitions. They have won 9 and drawn 1 of their first 10 league games, which puts them top of the table.

Tapsoba’s side have also won their first three group matches in the Europa League, whilst navigating their passage through to the third round of the German Cup.

It’s been a good start to the season for Tapsoba personally as well, having started all 15 matches that Leverkusen have played. After having attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United in the past, the fact that Chelsea are now pursuing the centre-back too is not that surprising.