football.london delves into Arsenal's search for a new right-sided defender as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his options before the start of the new season
Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa is wanted by Arsenal but Aston Villa do not want to sell(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa remains Arsenal's top defensive target heading into the final stretch of the summer transfer window.
For now, there is a clear disparity between what the Gunners would be willing to pay for the 28-year-old and Villa's strict £60million valuation of the versatile centre-back, who can also operate at right-back.
The Premier League champions are understood to have made a verbal approach for Konsa earlier in the window, around the time of their interest in Morgan Rogers, which amounted to nothing.
But Arsenal never completely dismissed a swoop as Konsa ticks several boxes for Mikel Arteta.
He is quickly approaching his peak, is vastly experienced after competing at his second major tournament for England, is a threat in both boxes and importantly, he is also homegrown.
The Villa defensive lynchpin hails from Newham in east London and would be open to joining Arsenal, even though he was a boyhood Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
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He is unlikely to agitate for a transfer due to his affection for Aston Villa but he's received a new contract offer from Unai Emery's side - his existing deal has two years left to run - which he is yet to sign, indicating he's considering his options.
Villa are not thought to be under any financial pressure to cash-in following the sales of Rogers and Youri Tielemans and there's a reluctance to weaken their squad any further this close to a new Premier League season.
However, this story looks far from finished because Arsenal's interest is yet to cool, and they are actively striving to bolster their backline. If they are willing to close the gap and raise their proposal, things could develop.
The Europa League winners know replacing a player of Konsa's quality, versatility and leadership in the current market would be a tough ask. That's why they are determined to keep him for now, even if there's no breakthrough in contract discussions.
Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were not involved in Villa's Super Cup defeat to PSG because Emery is adamant his World Cup stars require a full four weeks of rest. When Konsa returns, there will undoubtedly be private discussions over his future and every player has a price.
Ezri Konsa of England
Arsenal transfer target Ezri Konsa starred at the World Cup with England(Image: Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The problem for Villa is the lack of alternative options for Arsenal. The Gunners also like Spain international Marc Pubill but Atletico Madrid only signed him last summer from Almeria and do not want to sell.
Arsenal are understood to have checked in with Atletico to see whether there would be scope to discuss a transfer but Atletico's response was firm, meaning the Premier League champions had to return to the drawing board.
Jacobo Ramon of Como is also appreciated but Real Madrid remain in control of the player's future and are also due a 50 per cent cut of any transfer fee. Ramon is also predominately a centre-back, whereas Arsenal are open to adding somebody that can carry out both roles.
Jules Kounde is also another name in play. Arsenal are not definitively interested but if Barcelona made him available this summer, he would likely be considered.
Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde remains likely to stay at Barcelona
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He's hugely experienced, can play both roles expertly and has consistently showcased his ability at one of the world's biggest clubs.
Kounde's agents were reportedly in Catalonia to meet for talks with Barca officials earlier this week and there's a sense there could still be movement of some sort.
The ex-Sevilla man said on record earlier this summer that he wanted to stay at Barcelona but the Spanish club aren't afraid to make erratic changes even though some financial balancing needs to be done.
Given that Ronald Araujo (loaned to Liverpool), Robert Lewandowski (joined Chicago Fire), Marcus Rashford (loan ended) and potentially Ferran Torres (advanced talks with PSG) have all departed, one may wonder how much more maneuvering is required. Young right-back Hector Fort is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund.
Equally, if Kounde decides he's open to something new, especially in the Premier League, it's the kind of deal that would make sense for all parties. So he is certainly one to watch.
Meanwhile, Marli Salmon will be staying put. He has not featured at right-back at all during pre-season and is seemingly viewed as somebody that can provide cover and competition at right centre-back. He will be in and around the first-team picture this season more consistently.