Arsenal are still looking to add more quality to their squad as they look to defend their Premier League crown
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Arsenal's transfer plans ahead of his press conference this afternoon.
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Arsenal's transfer plans ahead of his press conference this afternoon.(Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about Ezri Konsa's move to the Emirates Stadium from Aston Villa, but did tease there are exciting days ahead for supporters.
The Gunners have agreed a £51million deal with Unai Emery's side to sign the England international ahead of a medical in north London later today.
The 28-year-old has been an ever-present since moving to Villa seven years ago, making 286 appearances for the club.
Konsa was a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel's England squad at the World Cup and was Arteta's number one choice to come in and bolster the Gunners' backline.
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Speaking in his first Premier League pre-match press conference of the new season, as Arsenal gear up to take on Frank Lampard's newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates on Friday night, Arteta was asked about defensive reinforcements.
He said: "We are really active in the market and the ambition is to improve the squad. We have a specific need in the back line with the long term issue with Willy. When we are ready, we will announce something.
Asked if he was confident of one coming in soon, in a nod to Konsa's impending transfer, Arteta replied: "I am always positive. It doesn't just depend on us."
Arsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa
Arsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa(Image: (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
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On players leaving, and the challenging chats that are had, Arteta admitted: "It is a really tough moment, we need to face that reality, you have to face it with a real honesty and transparency.
"You may not like what you have been told. It is honest, and it will help you make better decisions. Always very difficult conversations, or like when a player feels like they don't belong."
In terms of Myles Lewis-Skelly's future at Arsenal, having supposedly been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United, Arteta was confident he will be a Gunners player come the end of the transfer window. The answer regarding if this would be the case was: "100%!"
Asked about the noise around transfers and the volume of reporting on it, he said: "With all honesty, it doesn't go through my eyes, my ears, with the staff. Or with my kids, 'Are we signing them?'
"But with Andrea and the board, to understand where we are."