Arsenal centre-back William Saliba could be used in a part-exchange offer for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, according to reports in the German media.

The Gunners have been linked with the Burkina Faso international, along with Manchester United and Liverpool, but initial claims that he has a £44m release clause have been refuted.

Some reports suggested that Tapsoba could cost in excess of €60m (£52m), but there are now suggestions that Leverkusen could want an even higher amount, close to the record transfer fee of €80m (£71m) they received from Chelsea for Kai Havertz.

To lower their demands, it has been suggested that Arsenal may use Saliba as part of the deal, with the Bundesliga side reportedly keen on signing the French defender anyway.

Whether this is all mere speculation, with the press putting two and two together and getting five, it isn’t known. Fans would love to see Saliba get a chance at the Emirates next season, but it seems manager Mikel Arteta is determined to sign another centre-half.