Tottenham Hotspur reportedly remain keen on signing 26-year-old Burkinabe defender Edmond Tapsoba from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen on signing Edmond Tapsoba as well, and they will provide stiff competition to Tottenham Hotspur. The Bayer Leverkusen defender will cost £46 million, and all three clubs have the financial muscle to afford to sign him from the Bundesliga club.
Tapsoba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga right now, and he could be an excellent acquisition for all three English clubs. Tottenham need to add more quality and depth to their defensive unit.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have had persistent injury problems this season, and signing another quality defender would be ideal. In addition, Romero has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. Tapsoba could be his replacement if he decides to move on.
Chelsea and Newcastle keen on Tapsoba
Chelsea have looked vulnerable defensively, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. Edmond Tapsoba could be an upgrade on Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. Both players have been linked with permanent moves away from Chelsea, and the Blues should look to cash in on their fringe players and sign the Bundesliga winner. In addition, Trevoh Chalobah might depart from Stamford Bridge soon.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United need to find a quality long-term partner for Sven Botman. Tapsoba helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title last season, and he has the qualities to succeed in English football as well. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for him, and all three clubs could be attractive destinations for the player. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Although the £46 million valuation might seem like a premium right now, the defender has the quality to justify the investment in the long term. Tapsoba is entering the peak years of his career, and he will want to compete at the highest level.
The Burkina Faso international should look to join a club where he will get ample opportunities, and he would get to fight for trophies. Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur should be able to provide him with the platform he needs right now.
