Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is prioritizing the signings of Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to reshape his squad ahead of his official arrival on July 1, 2026.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues have agreed to a four-year deal with Alonso, granting him significant control over the club's summer transfer business.
Chelsea failed to finish in the top five of the Premier League this season, prompting a focus on quality over quantity in recruitment.
Tapsoba is a priority target due to his familiarity with Alonso's tactical setup during their time together in the Bundesliga.
The 27-year-old Burkina Faso international played 3,867 cumulative minutes, started 43 of his 44 games, and recorded a 90.16% pass completion rate for Leverkusen during the 2025/26 season, as reported by Flashscore.
Although Tapsoba signed a long-term contract extension through 2031 in April, TEAMtalk indicated that Leverkusen is entering a transition period after finishing sixth in the Bundesliga and may part with senior squad members for a substantial fee.
Midfield Target: Kobbie Mainoo
Alonso is seeking a specific profile for a central midfielder, with the club internally discussing Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo and Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, according to reports from The Chelsea Forum on X.
The Athletic reported that Chelsea previously inquired about a permanent £40 million deal for Mainoo at the end of last season, but the 21-year-old England international rejected the move to Stamford Bridge.
Mainoo established himself as a vital starter under Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who took charge in January, and subsequently signed a new contract with the Red Devils in late April.
"Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family," said Mainoo.
"I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt," he added.
"I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six," Mainoo stated.
"We can all feel the momentum building inside the club.
I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead," he concluded.
Football365 reported that Manchester United is highly unlikely to sell Mainoo, given his status as a foundational player under Carrick's current project.
