The need to strengthen in defence was a top priority for Tottenham over the summer, after a disastrous campaign at the back last year.

For months, it seemed Edmond Tapsoba would be the one to join Ange Postecoglou‘s side, but the North Londoners eventually plumped for Micky van de Ven.

The young Dutchman has done a fine job since arriving at the club, and has formed a brilliant partnership with Cristian Romero. Suffice it to say, very few Spurs fans will be thinking about Tapsoba right now.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea want Tapsoba after summer links with Spurs

But, that doesn’t mean the Burkina Faso international is out of the spotlight. Far from it, in fact, as TEAMtalk have now listed Tapsoba among a list of five defensive targets for Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window.

Despite spending big over the last couple of years, Chelsea are still struggling, and it seems the answer to that issue will be to throw more money at the team, specifically, in defence.

The Blues have a shortlist including Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Lille’s Leny Yoro, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a player Chelsea sold to the Eagles two years ago.

Also on the list is Tapsoba, and Chelsea are thought to be “sounding out the possibility of a deal” in advance of the January transfer window. It is said the West London side are not deterred by the fact that Tapsoba signed a new contract at Leverkusen recently.

Spurs Web Opinion

With the kind of money Chelsea have spent already, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go for Tapsoba, even though Leverkusen will be looking for a huge fee to let him go. I’d be more worried if I thought Spurs were still interested, but I believe we have moved on from Tapsoba now.

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Lund has impressed since breaking into Copenhagen’s starting eleven last season and the centre-back is said to have caught the attention of some top sides with his displays in the Champions League this season.

(Photo By Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Johan Lange could move for Valdemar Lund

GiveMeSport state that additions at centre-back are a priority for Spurs in January and that Lange could use his contacts at Copenhagen to pursue a deal for the 20-year-old.

The outlet claims that Tottenham could even work out a formula to loan Lund back to the Danish club until the end of the season in order to push through a transfer.

The publication also asserts that Spurs could revisit moves for some of their centre-back targets from the summer transfer window, with Bournemouth’s Llyod Kelly and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba mooted as potential January transfers for the North London club.

Spurs Web Opinion

If Spurs do pursue Lund, the club would see him as one for the future (like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic) rather than as a player to strengthen the backline straight away.

Tapsoba is likely to be out of our reach, given the way Leverkusen have started the season and the fact that he only recently signed a new contract. Kelly would be the obvious player to pursue as his contract with the Cherries runs out next summer.

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Spurs strengthened their backline with the addition of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg during the summer and the Dutchman has certainly hit the ground running in North London.

However, some Tottenham fans will feel that the club could have done more to revamp their options in central defence.

Another player who reportedly featured high on the Lilywhites’ wishlist during the summer was Tapsoba (GiveMeSport) but the 24-year-old stayed put at Bayer Leverkusen.

In what came as a blow to Spurs, the Bundesliga outfit officially confirmed last month that the Burkina Faso international had put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the club.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Man United and Spurs looking at Edmond Tapsoba

However, this has not ended the speculation linking Tapsoba with a move to Tottenham, with Football Insider claiming a few days ago that the 24-year-old remains part of the club’s two-man shortlist to replace Eric Dier in January.

Romano has now revealed that Erik Ten Hag’s men also have a keen eye on Tapsoba ahead of the January window.

The journalist about United’s pursuit of a centre-back on his YouTube channel: “Also Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen. He was on the list of Tottenham, but now also of Manchester United and he is a player appreciated by them. It is not an easy deal because he extended his contract at Leverkusen a couple of weeks ago.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the start that Leverkusen have made to the season and the fact that Tapsoba only recently signed a new contract, the German club will likely demand an astronomical fee for the 24-year-old in January. Tottenham might lean towards more economical options such as Lloyd Kelly.

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Dier has not played a single minute of football this season, with Ange Postecoglou even naming young Ashley Phillips on the bench ahead of the England international on several occasions this season, including in the clash against Liverpool on Saturday.

Football Insider claim that Spurs are expected to try to offload the 29-year-old, who is contracted to the club until next summer.

Eric Dier (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Spurs want Tapsoba or Adarabioyo to replace Dier

It is explained that the Lilywhites have already identified Adarabioyo and Taposba as replacements, having explored deals for both players during the recent transfer window.

The report adds that Postecoglou is keen to bolster his options in central defence and the Fulham star could be in the market as he will have just six months left on his contract at Crave Cottage in January.

The publication asserts that Tapsoba is seen ‘a premium option’ by Tottenham chiefs as he is expected to come with a much heftier price tag after recently penning a new contract at Leverkusen.

Spurs Web Opinion

Tapsoba just signed an extension while Xabi Alonso’s men have made a brilliant start to the season.

That likely means that Leverkusen would not consider selling the centre-back in January unless they get a crazy offer. So, Spurs will target one of Adarabioyo or Lloyd Kelly, perhaps even both if they manage to offload Dier.

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While Spurs did strengthen their backline with the addition of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg during the summer, some Tottenham fans will feel that the club could have done more to revamp their options in central defence.

With Davinson Sanchez now having joined Galatasaray, the Lilywhites are short of options at the back and might have to turn to young Ashley Phillips or Eric Dier in case there is an injury to one of their two starting centre-backs.

One defender who reportedly featured high on the North London club’s wishlist during the summer was Tapsoba (GiveMeSport) but the 24-year-old stayed put at Leverkusen.

In what came as a blow to Spurs, the Bundesliga outfit officially confirmed on Monday that the Burkina Faso international had put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the club.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Romano does not know if Spurs still want Tapsoba

Romano has said that the likes of Spurs and Manchester United would need to pay significantly more than the previously reported €40m- €45m (£34.1m-£38.4m) fee to sign the centre-back.

The journalist told CaughtOffside: “Edmond Tapsoba – As revealed yesterday, Edmond Tapsoba has signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen after speculation over a move away this summer.

“This now means that he will be more expensive if any club want to move for him in 2024. Bayer Leverkusen believe he’s a top player and worth more than the reported €40/45m fee.

“Honestly I can’t predict for now if Manchester United and Spurs will be back in for him – nothing is decided now for 2024, and so we will see based on this season.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no indication that Tapsoba’s contract contains any release clause. The likelihood is that Bayer will demand £60m or over for the 24-year-old, particularly if he has another impressive campaign at the Bay Arena. 

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While Spurs did strengthen their backline with the addition of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg during the summer, some Tottenham fans will feel that the club could have done more to revamp their options in central defence.

The North Londoners might have perhaps been able one more centre-back through the door if they had been able to offload Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez, who are both in the last year of their contract in N17, respectively.

One defender who reportedly featured high on the Lilywhites’ radar was Tapsoba (GiveMeSport), however, the 24-year-old is set to pledge his long-term future to the Bundesliga outfit.

Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

New contract for Tapsoba

If Spurs were planning on reigniting their interest in the Burkina Faso international in January, they might now have to re-think their plans since Romano has now revealed that the player has agreed terms on a long-term deal at the Bay Arena.

The journalist stated that Taposoba, who was a target for both Spurs and Manchester United this summer, is set to put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2028.

EXCLUSIVE: Edmond Tapsoba, set to sign new long term contract at Bayer Leverkusen #Bayer04

Agreement in place until June 2028, as club sources confirm.

Tapsoba was in Tottenham & also Man United list — he’s ready to sign new deal.

Huge news for Bayer04 & Xabi Alonso. pic.twitter.com/7GLm34HQ7r

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2023

Update – Leverkusen have now officially confirmed Tapsoba’s contract extension.

Spurs Web Opinion

It always seemed like Spurs were going to go for just one of Tapsoba or van de Ven. It is fair to say that most Tottenham fans would have preferred the Leverkusen star at the start of the summer. However, given the way the Dutchman has settled in seamlessly, I do not think a single supporter would exchange him for Tapsoba right now.

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Tapsoba has emerged as one of the best central defenders in the Bundesliga since his switch to Bayer Leverkusen three years ago and the 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Spurs earlier this summer (GiveMeSport).

VELBERT, GERMANY – JULY 21: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Paderborn at IMS Arena on July 21, 2023 in Velbert, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

The North London club have instead secured another promising young centre-back from the German top flight in the form of Micky van de Ven, who has made a solid start to life at the club.

However, reports continue to indicate that the Dutchman will not be the only defensive reinforcement to arrive through the door this summer, with Ange Postecoglou said to be ‘prioritising’ bolstering his backline before the window slams shut (Football Insider).

The Sun reported at the start of this month that Spurs face competition from London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea, for Tapsoba, who is allegedly valued at £45m by Leverkusen, but the speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to N17 has since died down.

Edmond Tapsoba to Spurs may not yet be dead

Jacobs has now asserted that there is still a chance that the Lilywhites could reignite their pursuit of the Burkino Faso international over the next week.

The journalist said on the Last Word on Spurs podcast: “Tapsoba can’t be ruled out, that’s for sure, Leverkusen haven’t been easy negotiators on that one which is partially why Spurs turned their attention to Van de Ven first and were successful, but it was clear when negotiating for Van de Ven that the door was open for another centre-back. Tapsoba could be one to watch between now and the end of the window.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is clear that Romero and Van de Ven would be Postecoglou’s preferred central defensive pairing this season. I would be surprised if the club were willing to spend £45m-£50m on a backup centre-back. I expect the bulk of the Harry Kane fee to go towards signing Brennan Johnson and Gift Orban.

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The early signs are that Tottenham have a gem on their hands in Micky van de Ven, who looked imperious in his Premier League debut against Brentford on Sunday.

However, reports continue to indicate that the Dutchman will not be the only central defender to arrive through the door this summer, with Ange Postecoglou said to be ‘prioritising’ the signing of another centre-back (Football Insider).

One man who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the last couple of months is Tapsoba (GiveMeSport) but it was suggested by The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick on the Tottenham Way Podcast last week that the Lilywhites have now ended their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star.

(Photo by Visionhaus)

Arsenal could now make a move for Tapsoba

If The Express’ latest update is to be believed, Spurs’ North London rivals, Arsenal are now considering a move for Tapsoba.

It is explained that Mikel Arteta is short of options at the back following the knee injury sustained by Jurrien Timber in his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The report alleges that if Gabriel Magalhaes completes a move to Saudi Arabia, the Gunners will sign another central defender, with Tapsoba being one of the names on their shortlist.

Spurs Web Opinion

I do think Tottenham made the right decision by going for Van de Ven over Tapsoba, given that the Dutchman can also cover at left-back.

However, I would rather see us spend the majority of the Kane money on the Burkina Faso international rather than on a striker or a central midfielder. 

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Tapsoba has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs right from the start of the summer (GiveMeSport) but it is unclear whether the centre-back still remains on the North London club’s radar after their acquisition of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg.

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick told the Tottenham Way Podcast a few days ago that the Lilywhites had abandoned their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star.

VELBERT, GERMANY – JULY 21: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Paderborn at IMS Arena on July 21, 2023 in Velbert, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Newcastle now enter the race for Edmond Tapsoba

Football Insider have now suggested that even if Spurs reignite their interest in Tapsoba, they now have competition to contend with from Newcastle.

The report alleged that the Magpies are now ready to launch a move for the 24-year-old, having made the centre-back their top target.

It is alleged that the Burkina Faso international is also wanted by other clubs around Europe and is keen on leaving the BayArena before the transfer window closes.

Spurs Web Opinion 

It does seem as if Tottenham have abandoned their pursuit of Tapsoba. I suspect that the club are prioritising signing a right-sided centre-back to serve as Cristian Romero’s backup, with Torino’s Perr Schuurs seemingly emerging as their top target.

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Tottenham have strengthened at central defence through the capture of Micky van de Ven, who signed in a £43m deal from Wolfsburg.

However, Spurs are not done strengthening their backline just yet, with Ange Postecolgou himself confirming at the start of last week that the club want to make more additions at centre-back (Football.London).

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – APRIL 13: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at BayArena on April 13, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Taposba is one of the names who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs since the start of the summer but there have been mixed reports on the North London club’s pursuit of the player recently.

While Journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed in his column for Football Insider last week that the Leverkusen star still remains Tottenham’s top central-back target, Dan Kilpatrick told The Tottenham Way Podcast a couple of days ago that Spurs had abandoned their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, we relayed a report from Manchester Evening News, which claimed that Man Utd had also entered the race for the Burkina Faso international.

Man United quoted £40m price tag for Tapsoba

Football Transfers have now backed up United’s interest in Tapsoba, stating that the Red Devils are keen on strengthening their defence following Harry Maguire’s departure and have identified the Leverkusen star as a target.

However, the publication adds that the German club have told the Premier League giants that they would have to stump up £40m to sign the centre-back.

Spurs Web Opinion

If Tapsoba is available for £40m, one would expect Tottenham to push ahead with a move for the Leverkusen star. I suspect that the Bundesliga side might want closer to £50m or above, including add-ons, for the 24-year-old centre-back this summer.

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After a long wait, Tottenham finally strengthened their backline at the star last week, with Micky van de Ven arriving from Wolfsburg in a deal worth £43m.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the Dutchman is able to form a formidable partnership alongside Cristian Romero at the back.

However, Spurs might not be done strengthening their backline just yet, with Ange Postecoglou himself confirming last week that the club are also on the lookout for additional reinforcements in central defence before the transfer window closes (Football.London).

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Tapsoba has also been heavily linked with a move to Spurs for much of the summer and it emerged recently that the Lilywhites could face competition from Manchester United for the Bayer Leverkusen star (Manchester Evening News).

Tapsoba is off the table for Tottenham

Kilpatrick has now offered a blow to Spurs fans by revealing that Tottenham are no longer trying to sign the 24-year-old. However, the journalist added that Tosin Adarabioyo and Clement Lenglet remain on the club’s radar.

He told The Tottenham Way Podcast: “Well, I think Spurs have ended talks with Edmond Tapsoba, he was the other player they’ve been strongly linked with this summer.

“I think Tosin of Fulham has been a target for a while, there’s been a lot of talk about Clement Lenglet.

“There was some suggestion in the Spanish media that the clubs would use that opportunity to discuss a new deal for Lenglet, I think he would very much be a back-up.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was holding out hope that Tottenham would reignite their pursuit of Tapsoba after their cash influx due to Kane’s move to Bayern.

However, it now appears as if the club are instead prioritising a right-sided centre-back, which perhaps explains why Per Shuurs has emerged as a top target.

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After weeks of speculation, Tottenham finally secured the services of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg on Tuesday, with the North London club agreeing on a deal worth £43m plus add-ons for the Dutchman’s transfer.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – JULY 29: Brais Mendez of Real Sociedad compete for the ball with Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the pre-season friendly match between Real Sociedad and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Estadio Anoeta on July 29, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Tuesday that Spurs will try to bring in more potential reinforcements at centre-back before the transfer window shuts (Football.London).

Tapsoba has also been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham for much of the summer but there have been contradictory reports over the club’s pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star over the last couple of days.

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed on Monday that Spurs’ interest in the 24-year-old had cooled but journalist Pete O’Rourke said in his column on Football Insider on Tuesday that the Burkino Faso international remains Tottenham’s top centre-back target.

Man Utd could enter the race for Edmond Tapsoba

If MEN’s latest update is to be believed, Spurs could now face competition from Man Utd for Tapsoba’s signature.

The publication asserts that the Red Devils are now looking to add reinforcements at centre-back after accepting West Ham United’s bid for Harry Maguire.

it is alleged that the Leverkusen star has been identified as a replacement, with the player said to be ‘admired’ by the Manchester club.

Spurs Web Opinion

There was always the risk of other clubs entering the race for Tapsoba’s signature if the transfer dragged on for too long.

United’s interest in the 24-year-old is likely to drive up the centre-back’s price even further. Unless Spurs receive a massive cash influx through Kane’s sale, a move for the Leverkusen star now looks unlikely.

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Tottenham confirmed the capture of Micky van de Ven on Tuesday, with the 22-year-old arriving in a deal worth £43m including add-ons from Wolfsburg.

Speaking after Spurs’ pre-season friendly against Barcelona, Ange Postecoglou admitted that he is delighted with the Dutchman’s capture, insisting that the defender is a perfect fit for the profile he wanted (Football.London).

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

The Tottenham head coach also confirmed that the club will potentially try and sign one more central defender before the window slams shut.

However, over recent days, multiple outlets have reported that Spurs’ interest in Tapsoba had cooled due to complications in agreeing a fee with Wolfsburg (The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick).

Tapsoba remains a number-one target for Spurs

This has now been contradicted by O’Rourke, who also stated that Tottenham are not done strengthening at centre-back and asserted that Tapsoba still remains at the top of the North London club’s wishlist.

However, the journalist added that Leverkusen are not willing to budge on their £45m asking price for the 24-year-old, with the fee proving ‘prohibitive’ for Spurs at the moment.

Spurs Web Opinion

I have a feeling that Tottenham will press ahead with a move for Tapsoba if Harry Kane completes a move to Bayern. If the England captain ends up staying, the Lilywhites might pursue a cheaper alternative like Perr Schuurs or Tosin Adarabioyo.

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Tottenham are soon expected to confirm the capture of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg (Fabrizio Romano) but Ange Postecoglou seemed to confirm in his press conference on Sunday that the Dutchman will not be the only centre-back arriving through the door this summer (Football. London).

VELBERT, GERMANY – JULY 21: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen looks o during the pre-season friendly match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Paderborn at IMS Arena on July 21, 2023 in Velbert, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Tapsoba has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs through the summer and until last week, reports indicated that the Lilywhites were continuing to hold talks with Leverkusen about the player (GiveMeSport).

However, The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed on Friday that Tottenham’s interest in the 24-year-old has now cooled amidst Van de Ven’s impending arrival.

Spurs are now distancing themselves from Tapsoba

Gold has now stated that Spurs are keen to distance themselves from the Tapsoba speculation.

The journalist said on his YouTube channel: “Spurs have kinda slightly distanced themselves a little bit from talk of Edmond Tapsoba in the last couple of days.

“I don’t know whether that’s just because Leverkusen have made the point that he’s not for sale or whether that’s just because the fee has risen to a high unrealistic fee.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Tapsoba is likely to cost more than Ve de Ven did and I do not expect Spurs to pursue the Leverkusen star unless the club expect a major cash influx through Kane’s sale to Bayern Munich.

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Spurs struggled defensively last season, with 63 goals shipped in the Premier League. Only five teams conceded more last term, and three of those sides were relegated from the division.

Throughout the summer, the Lilywhites have been consistently linked with both Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg, and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga pair were identified by data analysis as ideal additions to the Spurs backline (Football.London).

The North London side are now ‘on the verge’ of completing a £43m deal for van de Ven (The Athletic). The 22-year-old should be completing his medical at Hotspur Way today (De Telegraaf).

It was suggested recently that, with the acquisition of van de Ven in the pipeline, Tottenham would cool their interest in Tapsoba (Evening Standard).

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MAY 05: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln at BayArena on May 05, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Tottenham will make a move for Tapsoba soon

However, sources at Football Insider claim Spurs will continue their pursuit of Tapsoba and try to sign the Burkina Faso international alongside van de Ven.

Apparently, Tottenham will “accelerate their push” for Tapsoba this summer once the deal for Micky van de Ven is complete. 

Spurs want to “add at least two options” to their central defensive roster, but will face “major competition” for the signature of Tapsoba. The report cites a £50m price tag for the player, but suggests this “could rise” if a bidding war ensues.

It is thought that, if Spurs were to sell Harry Kane this summer, the club would use funds from his transfer to “spend more” on players like Tapsoba.

Spurs Web Opinion

If we could sign both Micky van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba, that would instantly transform our defence and make us an incredibly solid unit at the back. If we are serious about competing at the very top, we need them both.

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Tottenham appear to have the Van de Ven deal wrapped up, with Fabrizio Romano revealing on Saturday that Spurs have agreed a €50m (£43.1m) deal with Wolfsburg for the transfer of the Dutchman, who is set to pen a five-year deal with the North London club.

Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

De Telegraaf subsequently claimed the 22-year-old will have his medical on Sunday, with the deal likely to be announced on Monday.

Van de Ven was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon to watch Spurs put Shakhtar Donetsk to the sword in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer.

Van De Ven showing love to the Tottenham fans today! pic.twitter.com/DAMyUVVajm

— WeAreTottenhamTV (@WeRTottenhamTV) August 6, 2023

Spurs are looking to sign multiple centre-backs

However, Postecoglou insisted that the deal for the Netherlands Under-21 international is not quite over the line just yet and the Australian also revealed that the club are on the lookout for ‘a couple’ of additions in central defence.

When asked about Van de Ven, the Tottenham head coach said (via Alasdair Gold): “It’s not done yet. We need bolstering in that central defensive area.

“We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We’ll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It has been widely reported over the past few months that Tottenham are in the market for two centre-backs. This assertion by Postecoglou confirms that Van de Ven will not be the only central defender to arrive through the door.

With Tosin Adarabioyo now seemingly on the verge of joining Monaco, it is unclear who Spurs will target. It is certainly not out of the question that they could also try to sign Tapsoba as the club might be anticipating a cash influx due to Kane’s potential sale.

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Until Thursday, reports had indicated that Spurs were continuing talks with Leverkusen over a deal for Tapsoba despite being close to striking a deal with Wolfsburg for Micky van de Ven (GiveMeSport).

There seems to have been a significant breakthrough in talks between Spurs and Wolfsburg over Van de Ven over the last 24 hours, with multiple sources now reporting that the deal is quite close.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – JULY 29: Brais Mendez of Real Sociedad compete for the ball with Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the pre-season friendly match between Real Sociedad and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Estadio Anoeta on July 29, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

David Ornstein reported in The Athletic earlier today that Tottenham are on the verge of agreeing a €50m (£43m) deal for the Dutchman, and that the player is expected to travel to Hotspur Way for his medical once the deal is agreed.

The same fee was also reported by Fabrizio Romano, who stated a couple of hours ago talks between Spurs and Wolfsburg over the Netherlands Under-21 international are ‘very advanced’.

Tapsoba no longer a priority for Tottenham

Kilpatrick has now claimed that with Tottenham now focused on getting the Van de Ven deal over the line, the Lilywhites have cooled their interest in Tapsoba.

The journalist explained that Spurs had been locked in talks with Leverkusen for the 24-year-old over recent weeks but the two clubs were always some way apart on the fee.

Spurs Web Opinion

If it was always going to be one of Tapsoba or Van de Ven, it will be interesting to see which other centre-half Spurs would move for this summer. I suspect it would be a homegrown option such as Tosin Adarabioyo or Marc Guehi.

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On Wednesday, The Daily Mail reported that Spurs were on the verge of securing Van de Ven on a £30m deal from Wolfsburg after the North London club held ‘positive talks’ with the German side.

The report added that even though the 22-year-old was also on the radar of Liverpool, Spurs are now ‘hopeful’ of getting a deal for the defender over the line.

Meanwhile, Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger revealed yesterday that Tottenham are also planning to make an offer of €45m (£38.8m) plus add-ons for Tapsoba to test Bayer Leverkusen’s resolve.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 19: Edmond Tapsoba of Leverkusen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Muenchen at BayArena on March 19, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Mika Volkmann/Getty Images)

Spurs working on Tapsoba and Van de Ven

The Evening Standard have claimed that Tottenham are indeed in negotiations over deals for both Tapsoba and Van de Ven after Postecoglou approved moves for both players.

The report explains that while Spurs could still sign either of the two centre-backs this summer, a deal for the Wolfsburg star now looks more likely.

The outlet adds that Tottenham have been in talks over a deal for the Dutchman for several weeks and are now ‘increasingly confident’ of getting a deal over the line.

Spurs Web Opinion

It is quite possible that Tottenham have decided to pursue both Van de Ven and Tapsoba as they now expect a cash influx from Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich. By the sounds of it, the Van de Ven deal could potentially be made official before the end of the week.

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Tottenham fans had grown incredibly frustrated over recent weeks over the fact that the club had still not strengthened in central defence despite the new campaign being just around the corner.

However, there have seemingly been some positive developments over the last 24 hours, with Spurs now reportedly thought to be close to securing Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven and Blackburn Rovers starlet Ashley Phillips (Daily Mail).

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Spurs also advancing on Edmond Taposba

If Berger’s latest update is to be believed, Spurs might not be done just yet when it comes to strengthening at centre-back.

The journalist has taken to social media to claim that the Lilywhites are now also planning on making a new offer to Leverkusen for Tapsoba.

He explained that even though the Bundesliga club do not want to sell the 24-year-old, Spurs wish to test their resolve by making a bid of €45m (£38.7m) plus add-ons.

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Edmond Tapsoba (24/). Been told the Premier League side is planning to make a new offer of €45m + add ons but Bayer Leverkusen want way more. The German club normally doesn’t want to sell the centre-back. @SPORT1

— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) August 2, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

It is quite possible that Tottenham wanted to wait until there is some breakthrough in the talks with Bayern over Kane before re-assessing their transfer targets. 

Perhaps the club are now ready to make moves for both Van de Ven and Tapsoba as they anticipate a cash influx through the England captain’s sale.

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Tottenham were poor all over the field last season, but most notably their fragile backline really struggled.

The team conceded 63 goals in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign – only five sides conceded more than that last year, and three of them were relegated from the division.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

It is no secret and no surprise then, that finding new defenders, and more specifically new centre-backs, has been made a top priority by new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Despite a promising start to the transfer window, Tottenham are still yet to reinforce their defence. Both Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven have been touted as the top targets for the Lilywhites, with the pair identified as being perfect for Spurs’ system through data analysis (Football.London).

In his latest update for 888 Sport, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed the North London side are still working on a deal for the Bundesliga duo.

Bad news regarding Edmond Tapsoba to Spurs deal

Now, Charlie Eccleshare has offered his insight on the situation on The View From The Lane podcast and unfortunately, what little information the journalist has is not all that promising when it comes to Spurs’ attempts to snare Tapsoba away from Bayer Leverkusen.

He said: “Well, the last I reported on this was on the centre-backs and it was just bad news after bad news, I felt bad putting it out and there was more stuff coming out.

“I had to add in lines about Tapsoba and whatever it is, that is also going to be really hard to do. I was off after the tour in the last week, so maybe it has accelerated, but not as far as I’m aware I’m afraid.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact that we have been circling Tapsoba all summer and still appear to be no closer to striking a deal suggests this one could be dead in the water before it’s even begun.

Time is running out and we really cannot start the campaign without at least one new centre-back, so the club had better find an alternative to Tapsoba, and fast.

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