Arsenal are poised to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa after a dramatic breakthrough in transfer talks, according to The Athletic. The Premier League champions are desperate to reinforce their defence with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba set to miss the start of the season through injury.
Arteta's defensive plea leads to Konsa pursuit
Mikel Arteta has been eager to recruit a defender capable of offering cover at both right-back and centre-half, with Konsa emerging as their top target. Arsenal have also explored a move for another England international in Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah.
Having already lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Villa were determined to hold onto their defender and were thought to be asking for £60 million for the 28-year-old. Arsenal saw an opening offer believed to be worth £30 million rejected earlier this month.
Positive talks reduce valuation gap
But The Athletic reports Arsenal are now closing in on a deal after positive talks at 'ownership level' to reduce the valuation gap. Arsenal have strengthened in midfield and attack with the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Speaking after Sunday's Community Shield win over Manchester City, Arteta underlined the need to strengthen at the back with key figures still sidelined. Asked whether his focus was now on defensive reinforcements after the arrival of Guimaraes, Arteta said: 'We know there are certain areas that through injuries we are weaker and we need to strengthen. We're trying to do that and we've been trying to do that for weeks. Only when the opportunity is right for the club will we do it.'
Injury crisis forces defensive urgency
Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday. Arteta will be without half of his first-choice back four with Timber and Saliba still sidelined.
Timber has not started a game since March due to a groin injury, undergoing minor surgery last month. Arteta has spoken positively of the Netherlands international's progress but he is still working his way back to full fitness behind the scenes. Saliba, meanwhile, is expected to miss the opening months of the campaign as a result of a back injury which flared up during the World Cup.
Arsenal's pursuit of Konsa reflects Arteta's urgent need to shore up his defence as the club prepares to defend its Premier League title. The reduced fee agreement, following ownership-level talks, marks a key step in addressing the squad's depth issues ahead of the season opener against Coventry City.
