CHELSEA are ready to switch their attention to Edmond Tapsoba after failing to agree a deal for Wesley Fofana, according to reports.
The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back is seen as an alternative to the Frenchman with Leicester refusing to budge on their £85million valuation.
Sky Sports in Germany claim initial enquires regarding Tapsoba have been made by the Blues but no concrete negotiations have taken place.
Tapsoba has another four years left on his contract at the Bundesliga club so £60million may have to be paid for his services.
The Burkina Faso international arrived at Leverkusen in 2020 from Portuguese outfit Vitoria.
He has since established himself as a regular first-team player featuring in 29 games last season.
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The 23-year-old is reportedly Chelsea’s first choice other option after seeing three bids rejected for Fofana.
Thomas Tuchel’s side tabled £70million but after it was turned down by the Foxes and they have withdrawn from any potential deal.
Fofana saw the move to Stamford Bridge as a ‘dream’ and he has been left out the last two Leicester matchday squads.
The 21-year-old has also been forced to train with the Under-23s for not turning up to training to try to push through the transfer.
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Due to the financial backing provided by new owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea have been splashing the cash this summer.
The Premier League’s biggest spenders have already signed Marc Cucurella and Raheem Sterling, both for more than £50million.
And after missing out on Jules Kounde to Barcelona, Tuchel remains desperate to add defensive reinforcements especially after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
