Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are being "really active" in the transfer market amid links to Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
The Gunners have already missed out on the signing of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea but continue to be linked with Konsa as they look to defend the Premier League title.
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes is expected to seal a move to the Emirates as part of those plans and Arsenal are expected to bolster their defence.
According to reports over the weekend, Konsa is open to the move to the capital although Villa will not want to lose the England international.
Speaking to reporters after the 4-1 pre-season win over Girona, Arteta said: "Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear.
"We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. And you can just see the transfer market and our opponents.
"What we are doing, we won't sit still, and we are very ambitious in what we want to do."
Konsa's reputation has soared over the past month, playing a pivotal role in helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals, and netting in the 6-4 bronze play-off clash against France.
Liverpool have also been linked with the defender and former Reds defender Jason McAteer said it would be a shrewd piece of business.
"I see a more ready-made centre-back coming in who's got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa," he said.
"I don't think he's done himself any harm with his performances at the World Cup. I think he showed his versatility and maturity.
"Listen, his performances under (Unai) Emery for Aston Villa have been exciting. I think he's been solid. I think he's a solid 7.5 out of 10 every game. He's good in the air, he's quick, he reads the game, and obviously Liverpool have missed out on quite a few very good central defenders, with Marc Guehi being one. I don't think they should make that mistake again with Konsa."
Speaking to PariruiX, McAteer added: "Villa are very active in the market at the minute. They've lost (Morgan) Rogers and (Youri) Tielemans. And when I say active, I mean negatively. Unai Emery will be fighting to keep his sort of marquee players and Konsa is that marquee player, but money talks.
"If Liverpool are going to go and throw £80million at Konsa and bring him in then Villa, I'm sure for FFP, will take the opportunity for that kind of money.
"When Virgil van Dijk goes you don't want someone who is in that young mould. You want someone who's got that experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player when he comes in, so Konsa would be a good buy for me."
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