William Saliba's injury has handed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a massive headache ahead of the new season.
The defending Premier League champions are set to be without Saliba for a significant period after he suffered a back injury on international duty. He came off in the first half of France's 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals and is believed to have said: "My back has gone."
Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes' partnership was the backbone of the Gunners' title win last season. There have been suggestions that the 25-year-old could require surgery, and as a result, the club's transfer chiefs are in the market for a new centre-back.
Arsenal remain keen on Konsa
Aston Villa's Ezri KonsaPhoto courtesy of Reuters.
Arsenal have already made a move for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa but there has been a valuation gap. So much so that Villa reportedly feel that the North Londoners low-balled them, and that could have had a knock-on effect on missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
Club insider HandofArsenal claims that Arteta and the Gunners 'maintain a strong interest in Konsa.' The English defender has just represented his country at the World Cup and was handed a regular starting berth in Thomas Tuchel's defence.
Konsa, dubbed "excellent", has impressed throughout his time at Villa and helped Unai Emery's side win the Europa League last season. He has two years left on his contract with the Villans.
The problem is that several high-profile names have already departed Villa Park. Rogers is on his way to Chelsea in an £117million deal, while Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United for £35million.
It does feel as though the Gunners will have to fork out the reported £60million the West Midlands outfit are demanding for the 28-year-old. He has valuable experience and can also play at right-back.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal should look at cheaper options
England's Ezri Konsa and John Stones embrace before the match vs CroatiaEngland's Ezri Konsa and John Stones via Reuters/Maria Lysaker
Arsenal have to decide whether they want to pay a significant fee for a short-term solution to the Saliba problem. Should they bring Konsa to the Emirates Stadium, he would then be competing with the Frenchman and Gabriel for a starting berth.
A right-footed centre-back is needed because Piero Hincapie is Gabriel's backup on the left side of central defence. Cristhian Mosquera is an option but beyond that there isn't much depth.
Should the Gunners want to splash the cash on a big-name winger such as Bradley Barcola, they should be exploring cheaper options. Their reported interest in former Manchester City defender John Stones makes sense as he's now a free agent and has spent years winning titles.
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