via Reuters
Arsenal have finally agreed on a deal with Newcastle United for Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Arteta's transfer chiefs are reportedly ready to turn their attention to another Premier League star.
The Gunners have agreed on a £75 million fee for Guimaraes, who is headed to the Emirates to undergo a medical and sign his contract with the English champions. He had been on Arteta's radar throughout the summer and will become their fourth signing of the summer.
A potential move for Guimaraes' Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior remains a possibility amid a contract stand-off with Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks between the player and the Spanish club are continuing to try and find a resolution.
Nothing is imminent on that front, given Vinicius' preference is to stay at the Estadio Bernabeu. While the higher-ups wait for clarity over his situation, they are looking to address Arteta's defence.
William Saliba suffered a back injury during the World Cup with France and is set to be sidelined for several months. That could mean a new defender arrives, and the club have already attempted to sign one.
Arsenal Readying Second Konsa Offer
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Arsenal failed with an offer for Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa earlier this summer but are reportedly expected to return for the Englishman. A report from Mail Sport claims that the Villans are "braced for a fresh bid" from the Gunners as they try to get him tied down to a new contract.
Konsa is at the top of Arteta's defensive wishlist, but the club didn't come close to meeting Villa's £60 million asking price. The 28-year-old is one of Unai Emery's most important players and still has two years left on his contract.
Villa are reluctant to sell another of their star players after Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea and Youri Tielemans moved to Manchester United. They instead want to get the former Brentford man to extend his stay with the west Midlands outfit.
They are also under no financial pressure to cash in on Konsa given they raised £140 million from Rogers and Tielemans' sales. That could prove problematic for Arsenal, who look likely to have to meet the player's valuation.
David Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters
Konsa has proven his worth as one of the most reliable defenders in English football and earned a starting berth in England's defence during the World Cup. He helps Arteta address issues beyond just Saliba's injury as he can fill in at right-back if required.
The 5ft 11in centre-back, dubbed a "warrior", is at the right age to make a big impact at the Emirates and help the Gunners defend their Premier League title. He is believed to be open to joining Arteta's side, and we've seen how important it is to get the green light on the player's side, as Guimaraes had agreed to join weeks before a fee had been agreed.
vinicius
What the North Londoners can't do is lowball Villa with another offer that doesn't come close to their desired £60m fee. The next bid, if made, has to be enough to at least get the Villans' chiefs to sit down at the negotiating table.