Arsenal are “close” to making a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, according to Tuttomercatoweb.com.

The Italian website claim that the 22-year-old is a priority target as the Gunners look to bring in reinforcements for the defence this summer.

David Luiz’s departure means that there will be room in the squad for another defender, and Tapsoba is a player who has been widely tipped for a transfer in recent months.

Reports in the English press in March said that both Manchester United and Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on the Burkina Faso international. Scouts have noted that the centre-half is excellent on the ball, which will have undoubtedly attracted the Gunners’ recruitment team, who are looking for players that can fit into Mikel Arteta’s style of play.

However, It is believed that Tapsoba has a £44m release clause, which would be a sizeable sum for Arsenal to pay if Leverkusen are unwilling to negotiate on the fee.