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This summer, Arsenal appear to believe Edmond Tapsoba is too expensive, while Tottenham Hotspur remain intrigued.
Even with Arsenal’s rejection, Edmond Tapsoba could finish up in North London with Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has had Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba on their wish list for quite some time.
The Gunners are looking for a new defender this summer and have been examining Tapsoba as a possible signing.
However, Romano believes that Tapsoba is seen as ‘too pricey,’ and that Arsenal is instead interested in Ajax star Jurrien Timber.
It’s unclear just how much Leverkusen want for Tapsoba but it’s a price tag Arsenal don’t like.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have been scouting Tapsoba and are’very strong’ on him, according to Romano.
That implies that, while Arsenal has shifted its focus to Timber, the Gunners may face Tapsoba in North London derbies.
“This list includes Edmond Tapsoba, a player who Arsenal has always admired but who isn’t a priority this summer because he’s thought to be too expensive,” Romano explained.
“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Tapsoba, who is one of the players they have been tracking for a long time.” Arsenal and Tottenham both sent scouts to watch Tapsoba, but Arsenal is now focusing on Jurrien Timber. “From what I’ve heard, Tottenham are very keen on him,” he added.
Tottenham will undoubtedly need to spend money on defenders this summer.
Eric Dier’s future remains uncertain, while Davinson Sanchez is very certainly on his way out.
The same can be said about Japhet Tanganga, while returning loanee Joe Rodon may be available following his return from Rennes.
With Clement Lenglet’s return to Barcelona, Tottenham could be in need of two or three centre backs this summer.
Tapsoba would be an intriguing signing, having performed for Leverkusen since joining from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020.
At 6ft 4in tall, the 24-year-old has a commanding figure, but he has also demonstrated outstanding quickness and ability to play out from the back, either passing or carrying the ball.
Burkina Faso international Tapsoba has emerged as one of Europe’s finest young center backs, hailed as a ‘great’ player by Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes.
We understand Tottenham felt they had found it in Sanchez, but Tapsoba’s body of work in the Bundesliga has been really impressive.
If Tottenham can do this at a reasonable price, it’s a transaction that may significantly improve Ange Postecoglou’s back line – and possibly leave Arsenal a little weaker frustrated.