Edmond Tapsoba could still end up in North London with Tottenham Hotspur even with Arsenal backing away.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Arsenal have had Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba on their wish list for a while now.
The Gunners are in the market for a defender this summer and have been considering Tapsoba as a potential signing.
However, Romano claims that Tapsoba is viewed as ‘too expensive’ and Arsenal are going for Ajax star Jurrien Timber instead.
It’s unclear just how much Leverkusen want for Tapsoba but it’s a price tag Arsenal don’t like.
However, Romano does add that Tottenham have been scouting Tapsoba and are ‘very strong’ on him.
That means that whilst Arsenal have pivoted to Timber, the Gunners could end up facing Tapsoba in North London derbies.
“This list includes Edmond Tapsoba, a player always appreciated by Arsenal but not a priority this summer, because he’s thought to be too expensive,” said Romano.
“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Tapsoba because he’s one of the players they are following since a long time. Both Arsenal and Tottenham sent their scouts to follow Tapsoba but now Arsenal are concretely working on Jurrien Timber. Tottenham are very strong on him, from what I’m told,” he added.
What would Tottenham be signing in Edmond Tapsoba?
Tottenham certainly need to invest in defenders this summer.
Eric Dier’s future doesn’t seem completely settled and Davinson Sanchez is surely on his way out.
The same goes for Japhet Tanganga whilst returning loanee Joe Rodon may be available after returning from Rennes.
Add in Clement Lenglet’s return to Barcelona and Tottenham may need two or three centre backs this summer.
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Tapsoba would certainly be an impressive capture having excelled for Leverkusen since his 2020 move from Vitoria Guimaraes.
The 24-year-old is a big presence at 6ft 4in tall but has also shown impressive pace and ability to play out from the back either passing or carrying the ball.
Hailed as a ‘fantastic’ player by Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes, Burkina Faso international Tapsoba has become one of the top young centre backs in Europe.
We can appreciate that Tottenham thought they were getting that in Sanchez, but Tapsoba’s body of work in the Bundesliga has been hugely impressive.
If Tottenham can get this done at a reasonable price, it’s a deal which could really help boost Ange Postecoglou’s back line – and maybe leave Arsenal a little frustrated.
