Arsenal are preparing a fresh approach for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as they finalise the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Premier League champions have already secured Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier this summer, and they have activated a clause to sign Piero Hincapie permanently. Now, a fourth deal is close to completion after the Gunners reached an agreement with Newcastle for Guimaraes following protracted negotiations.
Guimaraes medical completed
The Brazilian midfielder has completed his medical at Arsenal and is set to bolster Mikel Arteta's central midfield options. The transfer is reportedly worth £75 million, according to multiple sources. Arsenal are still pursuing further incomings, including a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who was in talks with the Spanish club on Wednesday. The Gunners are poised to pounce if the 26-year-old fails to agree on a new contract.
Konsa bid to address defensive crisis
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to make a second bid for England defender Ezri Konsa as they look to strengthen their defence following William Saliba's back injury. Saliba helped France reach the World Cup semi-finals but aggravated a back injury and will now be out for an 'extended period', Arsenal have confirmed. The Gunners made an initial proposal for Konsa earlier in the summer, but that was reportedly well below Villa's £60 million valuation for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal have not given up hope of landing their top central defensive target and could test Villa's resolve with a follow-up offer. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne depart this summer, so they are under no financial pressure to sell Konsa. The report claims Villa will only consider letting Konsa move to the Emirates if they first source a suitable replacement.
Konsa's World Cup and praise from Watkins
Konsa featured in all eight matches for England at the World Cup this summer, helping the Three Lions secure their best finish since 1966. His performances have drawn praise from fellow England and Villa teammate Ollie Watkins, who described Konsa as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
'I think Ezri is just so underrated,' Watkins told talkSPORT. 'It's mad how under the radar he goes and for so many years he has been. I think he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. People don't look at that straight away. I don't know if it's profile around Villa and stuff like that. People always look at the top teams. But defensively, he hardly puts a foot wrong.'
Arsenal's summer business
Arsenal have already welcomed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier to the Emirates, and the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie is in the works. The addition of Guimaraes is expected to be confirmed soon, with the midfielder having completed his medical. The club remains active in the transfer market, with Vinicius Junior still a target and now Konsa on the radar.
Villa's stance on Konsa is firm, but Arsenal's determination could lead to a breakthrough. The Gunners are keen to address their defensive depth, especially with Saliba sidelined. Whether Villa can find a replacement in time remains to be seen, but Arsenal are prepared to test their resolve with a second bid.
