The entourage of 27-year-old Edmond Tapsoba has confirmed that Arsenal is interested in him. The London club is looking for a central defender because an injury to William Saliba is expected to prevent him from playing at the start of the season. It is reported that Arsenal appreciates Tapsoba's profile, versatility, and high-level experience. Other Premier League clubs are also interested; Manchester United recently made an inquiry about his situation, and it is said that Chelsea also appreciates the defender.
A potential transfer is considered complicated because Bayer 04 Leverkusen is reluctant to sell the Burkinabè international. He signed a contract extension in April that runs until June 30, 2031. This puts Bayer Leverkusen in a strong negotiating position, and it is reported that the club has set a high fee for his transfer. For Arsenal to have a chance of signing him, the club will need to be convincing with its financial offer and its sporting project.
Edmond Tapsoba joined Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020. He has 62 caps and 4 goals for Burkina Faso. His current market value on Transfermarkt is €35.00m. Reports in August 2026 indicated that Bayer Leverkusen had set a price of €50 million.
