Ezri Konsa emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal earlier in the summer window and it now looks as though they will be signing the Aston Villa defender
Arsenal are now expected to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa
Arsenal are now expected to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa(Image: (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
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Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The England international has been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium all summer and now looks set to join Mikel Arteta's squad.
The transfer is advancing but not quite done yet with their report stating that dialogue at the ownership level is taking place to reduce the gap between the two clubs' respective valuations, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners lodged an offer with Villa towards the start of the current trading period which was not well received. Konsa's valuation within Emirates Stadium was £40million while Unai Emery's side wanted closer to £60m.
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Exactly how much he will cost is unclear but it is certainly fair to assume it will likely be in the region of £50m given what Villa wanted and what Arsenal were willing to pay.
Konsa was a regular at the World Cup for the Three Lions and has subsequently not played any part in Villa's pre-season. Watkins and Emi Martinez were also given extra time off with all three missing the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
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Arsenal's focus seemingly switched to a defensive addition following Vinicius Junior's decision to stay at Real Madrid. Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona's Jules Kounde were identified as alternatives to Konsa.
The 28-year-old has remained Arsenal's top target throughout the summer given his versatility to play in the centre of defence and at right-back.
William Saliba of Arsenal
Ezri Konsa is expected to cover for William Saliba's injury
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That is a key factor given William Saliba's long-term back issue and the injury problems that Jurrien Timber has faced since March.
Arteta has Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White available but depth in those positions for the start of the season would be lacking. Konsa is expected to become the fourth defender signed by Arteta in the last three summer windows.
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Piero Hincapie is one of those with the Ecuador international joining permanently this summer in addition to Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier.
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