Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen as per a report from Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Burkinabe joined the German club in January 2020 and has established himself as one of their first-choice centre-backs.
Primarily known for his speed and strength, the youngster is also an excellent passer.
As per the report, the Gunners were interested in a deal for the 22-year-old, and they are close to securing it.
There is no fee mentioned, but it could take more than £50 million to take him from Leverkusen.
German journalist Patrick Berger of Sport1 issued the following update.
Several UK clubs are interested in Edmond Tapsoba (also #AFC). The 22-year-old has NO release clause in his contract until 2026. Bayer Leverkusen normally don’t want to sell the centre-back this summer as he is one of the key players. A club has to bid €60m to open talks. ⚫️🔴
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) May 25, 2021
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Despite the player’s potential, there are several questions to be asked if the transfer goes through.
The fee being quoted would mean that the north Londoners may not have much money left to reinforce other areas of their squad.
That brings us to the next question, do the Gunners really need another centre-back?
Although David Luiz is set to leave soon, there are already more than enough options at the club.
These include William Saliba, who spent the second half of the season on loan with Nice and has been a revelation in France.
Having joined the club two years ago, it is time for him to shine at the Emirates Stadium, and the arrival of another young talented centre-back would hinder his development.
Tapsoba undoubtedly has the ability to become a world-class defender whose strong presence can help the team play out from the back.
However, should it be at the cost of halting Saliba’s development?
Also Read: Leicester City Step Up Chase To Sign Arsenal Target Samuele Ricci.
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