Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid
Arsenal are keen to add to their squad this summer, and they have just been handed a major boost from one of their top targets.
The Gunners have already brought in Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis this summer, while a move to bring in Bruno Guimaraes to bolster the midfield has been agreed with Newcastle. They have also seen Leandro Trossard depart for Besiktas, while the club have agreed a deal with Everton that will see Christian Norgaard depart.
But while the club have made Vinicius Jr their top target for the attack, and received positive responses that he would be open to moving to the Emirates, they have now been made aware that their top defensive target is also keen on the switch.
Ezri Konsa Wants to Join Arsenal
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Arsenal have shown a keen interest in completing a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa this summer, as they look to strengthen their defence.
The Gunners will be without William Saliba for an extended period of time following a back injury, and that has seen the club make contact with the Midlands club about potentially signing the England star.
Villa don't want to lose another star and have valued Konsa at £60m in talks with the Premier League champions, but it has now emerged that the 28-year-old 'would be interested' in a move to north London.
Konsa is not expected to agitate for a move away from Villa Park, and currently Arsenal believe the £60m fee quoted to them is too high. But they have not left the race for his signature at this stage, and it remains to be seen if they make their interest concrete with an offer.
Arsenal were met with a similar stance with Newcastle in their attempts to sign Guimaraes, but that deal is now on the verge of being completed, and they may take some comfort in knowing how that played out.
Konsa Would Be Top Signing
Ezri Konsa
David Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters
Arsenal had one of the best defensive units in Europe last season, and it's a big blow for them to be without Saliba for a while. But by bringing in a player like Konsa, they not only keep their solidity, but they strengthen for when the Frenchman returns too.
There have been question marks over the future of Ben White for a while, after he lost his place as the starting right-back to Jurrien Timber. When Saliba got hurt, it seemed as though he could be forced to stay as cover in the middle too.
But a deal for Konsa, who is open to making the switch, would also allow for White to move on as he can play at right-back. If they can get the fee down, then it would be a top signing for the champions, and this is a deal to look out for as a result.
David Moyes
David Moyes