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Analysis
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Chelsea in battle for wonderkid who has heart set on transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 17 May 2025 10:48 CDT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea are interested in wantaway PSG youngster Axel Tape, according to French media.
The 17-year-old has been integrated into the first team of the Ligue 1 champions this season, featuring in a pair of games in league play to bolster his sparkling reputation.
Tape is regarded as a massive talent, and his expiring contract has made him a hugely attractive commodity in the market. As things stand, the teenager has no intention of extending his stay at PSG.
In fact, Sky Germany recently claimed that he has had his head turned by Bayer Leverkusen after the Bundesliga side convincingly pitched their project and contract offer.
This information has now been confirmed by Sports Zone, but the French outlet states that Chelsea and other suitors still have hope of securing a last-ditch hijack.
Chelsea in Tape battle
The report acknowledges that Leverkusen are leading the race for Tape but also states that Chelsea, Tottenham and Bournemouth are still vying for his signature.
PSG had been trying to convince him to stay by proposing a professional deal, but they have now resigned themselves to losing the young defender, who has been left impressed with what Leverkusen have to offer.
Should Chelsea manage to get Tape to change his mind on a Leverkusen move, the plan would be for him to head out on loan to Ligue 1 affiliate Strasbourg initially.
The teenager turns 18 on August 10, so he would technically be able to link up with Enzo Maresca's squad, but the club feel that staying in a more familiar environment would be good for his development.
This could, of course, become a moot point should Chelsea fail to sign him or if they qualify for the same European competition as Strasbourg, which would prevent them from doing business with each other.
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