Arsenal have cooled their interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Burkina Faso international has been on the Gunners’ radar for quite some time but Romano claims they have been priced out of a move, with Tottenham now the centre-half’s likeliest destination:

“This list [of centre-back targets] includes Edmond Tapsoba, a player always appreciated by Arsenal but not a priority this summer because I’m told he’s too expensive. Keep an eye on Tottenham for Tapsoba because he’s one of the players they’re following since a long time. Both Arsenal and Tottenham sent their scouts to follow Tapsoba. Tottenham are very strong on him, from what I’m told.”

Reports earlier this year suggested that Leverkusen were holding out for a fee in the region of £60m for Tapsoba so it is not a surprise that Arsenal have withdrawn from the race to sign the player.

What other defenders are Arsenal targeting?

As Romano mentions, the Gunners have a shortlist of options that they are considering. Top of the pile is Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. They have already had a £30m bid for the Netherlands international turned down, with his club demanding more than £50m.

That is a sizeable gap to bridge and, while there is still said to be optimism about getting a deal done, don’t be surprised if they do move on to alternative targets.

RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan has also come under consideration but we shall have to wait and see how negotiations progress for Timber first.

Arsenal could spend over £200m on players this summer

If the Gunners do end up paying £40m to £50m on Timber, it will again demonstrate once again that the club are prepared to spend big in the transfer market.

With West Ham’s Declan Rice expected to cost £100m, and Kai Havertz likely to be signed for between £50m and £60m, Mikel Arteta’s side are well on course to spend in excess of £200m as they look to build on last season’s second-place finish.