Gabriel came on in the 86th minute to replace Gabriel Martinelli but could return to the starting line-up when Arsenal face Crystal Palace on Monday, with the injury Jurrien Timber sustained likely to force Arteta to ring changes that would see the Brazilian return to the XI.
If that fails to happen and it becomes clear that he is no longer guaranteed a starting berth, the 25-year-old could push for an exit, and the Gunners have Tapsoba on their shortlist should there be a need to sign a new centre-back.
The 24-year-old Burkina Faso international has been described by the Bundesliga official website as a “powerful and super quick defender who boasts frightening heading abilities”.
Tapsoba also brings speed, strength, top passing ability and excellent composure to the table, and Arsenal could do with those qualities.
The 6ft 4in defender is also on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United and could be playing in the Premier League sooner or later.
Tapsoba is under contract at Leverkusen until 2024 and could be available for an affordable fee this summer, giving the Gunners a realistic chance of landing him if they are forced to go into the transfer market.
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