Arsenal are eyeing a 'shock' move to sign another top England star alongside Morgan Rogers this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners have completed a move to sign Illan Meslier and agreed a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis already in this window, with the club now preparing to accelerate their interest in the Aston Villa playmaker following England's elimination from the World Cup at the semi-final stage.
But the Premier League champions are now understood to be strongly considering a move for his teammate after they were rocked by some injury news to defender William Saliba.
Arsenal Eyeing Konsa Deal
Ezri KonsaDavid Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters
According to the report, Arsenal are now strongly considering a move to sign Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa.
Konsa, who has been described as 'one of the best' defenders in English football, was a regular for Thomas Tuchel in the England side at the World Cup this summer, and has established himself as a top defender in the Premier League.
Saliba is set to undergo back surgery after being forced off in the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, which could potentially see him absent until 2027, and Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is now looking at making a move in the market to replace him.
The club have been discussing a move for Konsa internally for some time, and his ability to play at right-back and centre-back is seen as something useful for the squad, with Arteta a fan of his versatility.
Villa do not want to lose another star this summer, having already lost Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, but a big offer could leave them helpless, and Arsenal are adamant they won't be left short on options due to Saliba's injury.
Ben White was expected to be on the move but he could now stay, and a player like Konsa would be a welcome addition as a result.
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Konsa Deal Adds Quality Depth
Aston Villa's Ezri KonsaPhoto courtesy of Reuters.
Konsa has cemented himself as one of the better defenders in the league in recent years, and his place in the Villa lineup is unquestionable.
But a move to the Premier League champions doesn't become an option all the time, and the opportunity for him to step into one of Europe's best defences will surely appeal to him too.
When everyone is fit he probably doesn't start, but with Saliba set to be sidelined for a while he will have the chance to make a major impact. Arsenal will surely know that it won't be an easy deal to do, and that it won't be cheap, but Berta has done really well to get deals done in the past, and if they really want him, then now is the time to go and get him.
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