Arsenal are expected to sign a replacement for William Saliba before the summer transfer window closes.
The Frenchman is set to be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury, and the Gunners have been looking at possible new additions in the centre-back department.
Most Read on Gooner News
Ezri Konsa is among the primary candidates, and when Gooner News asked fans which player the Gunners should sign, 43.7% of those polled agreed that the Aston Villa and England star was the right choice:
Konsa has been described as a “Rolls Royce”
Speaking about the 28-year-old back in June, former Brentford and Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith was effusive in his praise:
“[I] signed him twice, once from Charlton for Brentford and then for Villa from Brentford as well. He’s like a Rolls-Royce, love the way he plays.”
“He’s actually one of the most fouled centre-backs I’ve ever seen as well. He wins free kicks like no other centre-back can. But yeah, he’s come on leaps and bounds and, you know, people started likening him to Paul McGrath at Villa and Paul McGrath’s known as God.”
Arsenal may need cover at right-back
Another notable attribute that Konsa possesses is the ability to play as a fullback, and the right-hand side of defence is definitely an issue for manager Mikel Arteta, in addition to the middle.
Ben White has only recently recovered from a major knee injury, while Jurrien Timber remains in rehabilitation after minor surgery on a groin problem that has plagued him since March.
The fact that Konsa can provide cover in two positions would make him an ideal candidate, but there is a potential stumbling block – his asking price. Villa would reportedly demand around £60m for the defender, while the Premier League champions are said to value him at roughly half that amount.