Arsenal are reportedly growing increasingly confident of signing Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta looks to solve a defensive headache before the new Premier League season.
The reigning champions have stepped up their pursuit of the Aston Villa defender, who has been on their radar throughout the summer.
Konsa’s versatility is said to appeal to Arsenal, according to the Telegraph, with the England international capable of operating both at centre-back and on the right side of defence.
The 28-year-old also possesses extensive Premier League experience and has now emerged as an increasingly important target following injury problems at the Emirates Stadium.
William Saliba is expected to spend months on the sidelines because of a back injury, leaving Arteta without one of the pillars of his defence.
Jurrien Timber has meanwhile been struggling with a persistent groin problem since March.
The Dutchman was unable to feature at this summer’s World Cup and his fitness remains a concern heading into the domestic campaign.
Arsenal are reportedly growing increasingly confident of signing Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta looks to solve a defensive headache before the new Premier League season
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PA
Arsenal’s situation means Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are currently Arteta’s only established senior options on the right side of defence.
Highly-rated 16-year-old Marli Salmon provides further cover but Arsenal are understandably reluctant to place too much responsibility on the teenager at such an early stage of his career.
Arteta revealed last weekend that Arsenal had already been working “for weeks” on adding another defender to his squad.
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Their attention is now firmly on Konsa and there is growing confidence that an agreement with Villa can be reached.
Konsa has returned to training following his involvement with England at the World Cup and is keen on a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arsenal may have to pay a significant fee to get their man.
Villa value the defender at around £60million and have made their position clear as talks over his future continue.
Whether Arsenal are prepared to meet that asking price remains to be seen, although optimism is reportedly increasing that the two Premier League clubs can find common ground.
Konsa has established himself as a key figure at Villa Park since arriving from Brentford for £12m in 2019.
Ezri Konsa is keen to join Arsenal this summer
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GETTYHe has subsequently made more than 280 appearances for Villa and featured 48 times across all competitions last season.
Konsa also played an important role as Villa lifted the Europa League, further enhancing a reputation which has seen him become established at international level with England.
His potential departure would continue a summer of significant upheaval at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have already left the club, while further uncertainty surrounds Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez.
