According to Tutto Mercato Web, Arsenal are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba.
The 22-year-old has impressed for the Bundesliga outfit since arriving from Vitória Guimarães in a deal worth €18 million up front (£15.6 million).
The Italian news outlet claim that the Gunners are closing in on his services, in what would be a major move given his potential.
Arsenal fans may remember Tapsoba, as he appeared in both games against the north Londoners for Vitória Guimarães during the 2019/20 Europa League Group Stage.
Liverpool reportedly made a move for the 14-cap Burkina Faso international back in January.
However, the Reds were fended off by the German outfit, who were keen to keep their No.12 – that comes as no surprise whatsoever.
Tapsoba is widely regarded as one of the biggest defensive prospects across Europe.
The Bundesliga’s official website likened him to Bayern Munich colossus Jérôme Boateng.
They mention Tapsoba’s unbelievable speed, excellent passing range and powerful strength as comparable traits to the German defender.
Impressively, Tapsoba also pocketed Erling Braut Håland not once, but twice.
The Bundesliga’s official website mention his first experience of German football, in which Bayer Leverkusen mounted a 4-3 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund, who couldn’t get Håland into the game.
Tapsoba then repeated the feat in his second game against the Norwegian wonderkid, as Bayer Leverkusen recorded a 2-1 win.
Speaking in an interview with the Bundesliga, he also revealed that Per Mertesacker was his role model.
Tapsoba said: “I would say Per Mertesacker, from Germany, is a player that I liked a lot when I was younger. When I started to grow older I liked John Stones a lot too. I watched all the videos on YouTube. I would say that’s what inspired me. I also wanted to help my family, because they deserve it very much. They inspired me to work hard every single day.”
His potential is scary. Tapsoba has a number of physical traits that most defenders dream of, and he’s beginning to add the technical – and tactical – abilities to go with it.
If Arsenal really are close to signing him, the Emirates Stadium faithful should get excited.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
