Arsenal are reportedly in advanced discussions with Aston Villa regarding the transfer of defender Ezri Konsa. The Premier League champions have been pursuing Konsa throughout the summer.
Initially, Villa reportedly valued Konsa at £60m, a figure Arsenal were not prepared to meet. An earlier offer from Arsenal, believed to be around £30m, was rejected. However, reports suggest that positive talks at an ownership level have helped narrow the valuation gap, bringing Arsenal closer to securing a deal for the England international.
Konsa has two years remaining on his current contract with Aston Villa. Arsenal‘s interest in the defender comes as the club seeks to reinforce its defensive options, particularly with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined due to injuries.
Defensive Reinforcements Needed
The need for defensive depth has been a key focus for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are expected to miss the start of the season. Timber has been recovering from a groin injury since March, undergoing minor surgery last month. Saliba is anticipated to miss the initial months of the campaign due to a back injury that emerged during the World Cup.
Arteta has expressed the importance of strengthening areas weakened by injuries. He stated that the club has been working for weeks to find the right opportunities to bolster the squad. Arsenal has already made additions in midfield and attack with the signings of Bruno Guimareas and Christos Tzolis.
Konsa is seen as a player who can provide cover at both right-back and centre-back, roles where Arsenal currently have Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White. While both performed well in the recent Community Shield victory over Manchester City, Ben White has had a challenging injury record over the past two seasons.
Last season, Konsa demonstrated strong performance in ground duels, winning more than any other Premier League defender. This statistic highlights his defensive capabilities, which align with Arteta‘s preference for players who excel in duels.
Arteta’s Ambitions for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has outlined the club’s ambition to become the “best club in the world,” emphasising the need for top facilities, stadium, supporters, and a strong squad with the best players. He believes that signing players who can make a difference is crucial for Arsenal‘s goals.
Arsenal began their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday. The team’s status as favourites to retain the title was reinforced by their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Arteta remains comfortable with the team’s position as frontrunners, focusing on the players’ desire and will to improve daily.
Historically, Arsenal has not defended the top-flight title since the 1930s, a milestone Arteta aims to overcome. He feels the ambition, desire, ability, and conviction within the team to achieve this goal.
Should the move for Ezri Konsa be finalised, it would address an important aspect of Arsenal‘s squad needs, bringing them closer to completing their transfer window from an incomings perspective. Jurrien Timber has not started a game since March.
Source: skysports.com