Arsenal and Tottenham battling it out for ‘frightening’ young defender backed to become one of world’s best stars
BOTH Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on signing promising young centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, according to reports.
Tapsoba has been linked with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, with Premier League clubs circling.
The Burkina Faso international has made 46 appearances for his club this season, and his performances have attracted a lot of interest.
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the defender has been an Arsenal target since his first season in Germany.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side will now face competition from their North London rivals Tottenham to sign the star.
Both clubs could do with bolstering their central defence over the summer.
After all, William Saliba’s injury was disastrous for the Gunners’ title charge.
While Spurs fans believe that Eric Dier could do with greater competition.
Tapsoba has also won 34 caps for Burkina Faso and played at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, which saw him nominated for the African Player of the Year award.
Last year, the Bundesliga website sung his praises, calling him a “powerful and super-quick defender” with “frightening heading abilities”.
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Meanwhile, his former coach at Vitoria Guimaraes has backed him for stardom.
Ivo Vieira said: “I’m sure he will continue his development and become one of the greatest players in the world.
“He can end up where he wants to. At one of the world’s biggest clubs.”
Leverkusen are rumoured to be demanding around £60m to pry Tapsoba out of their hands.
Arsenal have qualified for Champions League football next season, and they will be hoping to compete for the other major trophies as well.
But Spurs are competing with Aston Villa to secure a position in the third tier of European football – the Europa Conference League – next year.