Tapsoba, Ziyech, Batshuayi: Ajax make decision as Chelsea eye Wesley Fofana alternatives

The summer transfer window is set to close next week, and Chelsea are still far from finished when it comes to their business in the market.

Six new signings have already made the switch to the Blues with Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina and Cesare Casadei all putting pen to paper in deals at Stamford Bridge.

However, Thomas Tuchel’s side are still set to operate in the window before the deadline on September 1st.

More new signings could be needed at Chelsea this summer, especially considering how mixed their start to the season has been.

An opening day win against Everton was followed by a controversial draw against Tottenham, before the Blues fell to defeat away at Leeds in a disappointing performance.

There is expected to be more incomings and outgoings before the window shuts for the summer as Chelsea look to strengthen even further for the season.

Edmond Tapsoba

Tuchel’s side have been showing a lot of interest in Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana in recent weeks as they eye a second centre-back to follow Koulibaly.

The Frenchman is keen to join the Blues from the Foxes, and was even left out of the squad by manager Brendan Rodgers for their Premier League loss against Southampton at the weekend.

Leicester have recently rejected a third bid from Chelsea, an offer that was said to be around £70 million plus add-ons.

Should they not be able to sign Fofana this summer, Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen’s Tapsoba is a player of interest to Chelsea.

He could be a potential target for the Blues this summer, and the 23-year-old was internally discussed as an alternative to Fofana if he does not make the move from Leicester.

Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech (22) traps the ball during the game between Chelsea and Arsenal. (Alamy)

Hakim Ziyech

Earlier in the summer, Ziyech emerged as one of three attackers at Chelsea who face an uncertain future at the club.

Timo Werner has already left to re-join RB Leipzig on a permanent deal, although Christian Pulisic currently looks set to remain despite links with a loan move to Manchester United.

Ziyech has been linked with a return to former club Ajax this summer, with Gerjan Hamstelaar reporting that Chelsea would like to sell him on a permanent deal should he move.

Ajax may have to look at other options if their stance does not change, as well as the fee the Blues are demanding, which De Telegraaf are reporting as €44 million.

The Dutch giants only want to sign him on loan, with the aforementioned fee thought to be too much for them to pay.

Michy Batshuayi celebrating for Chelsea. (Alamy)

Michy Batshuayi

Batshuayi signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2016 but even after a solid debut campaign at the club, he has failed to assert himself as one of the club’s top strikers.

Since his move six years ago, he has spent loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Crystal Palace and more recently, Besiktas.

The Belgian could be on the move this summer once again, with Serie A outfit Salernitana said to be interested in him.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian club have Batshuayi as a target this summer.

Chelsea would be willing to let him leave on loan and have a buy obligation included in a deal, with the striker’s contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next year.