AS Monaco's Breel Embolo in action with Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba
Arsenal are reportedly ‘continuing to monitor’ Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba ahead of a potential move this summer.
The Lowdown: Previous interest in Tapsoba
The Premier League leaders previously held interest in signing the 24-year-old last summer, but a move never materialised, and they instead ended up signing Jakub Kiwior as centre-back cover in the January transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will try to sign another centre-half this summer, but it looks as if Tapsoba could still be on their radar.
The Latest: Arsenal ‘continuing to monitor’ Tapsoba
Taking to Twitter, Rudy Galetti says that Arsenal are ‘continuing to monitor’ Tapsoba ahead of this summer, adding that the player ‘appreciates’ the Gunners’ interest in him.
The transfer expert tweeted: “#Arsenal are continuing to monitor Edmond #Tapsoba, #BayerLeverkusen centre-back.
“The player appreciates a lot the interest of #AFC, which have been following him for a long time: evolving situation.”
The Verdict: Replacement for Holding?
With four senior centre-backs already in Mikel Arteta‘s squad, Arsenal would likely have to sell one in order to bring Tapsoba in.
Kiwior is a new signing, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have played far more games than Rob Holding, so the latter would likely be the one who is sold in order to make room for the Leverkusen gem.
Described as having ‘scary‘ composure and physicality by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, Tapsoba’s 6 foot 3 frame is certainly imposing. He also shows calmness on the ball, ranking in the 90th percentile of all centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted per game, as well as in the 84th percentile for progressive passes and 78th percentile for progressive carries (FBref).
The Burkina Faso international also possesses a rare skill for defenders in being able to take good penalties, with football presenter Jack Collins hailing him as ‘ridiculously good‘ at them after scoring in a penalty shoot-out win in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Tapsoba has scored an impressive 11 of his 13 penalties in normal time throughout his career so far at the age of just 24, an extra weapon that Arsenal could potentially use to their advantage next season.
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