Arsenal is close to signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The Premier League champions need defensive help this summer after injuries left gaps in their lineup.
A report from The Athletic on Wednesday said, "Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa." The report added that the Gunners "are in the market for defensive reinforcement with both William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined with injuries."
Talks with Aston Villa are moving forward to finalize the deal. Conversations at the ownership level have helped narrow the price gap for the England international.
Konsa, 28, “holds particular appeal given his ability to cover at both centre-back and right-back and has been high on Arsenal’s target list all summer,” according to The Athletic.
With Saliba and Timber out injured, Arsenal needs more players in defense.
Konsa returned to Villa for pre-season training on Monday. He received extra time off after playing in the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
He started every match until the 2-1 loss to Argentina, where he came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute.
The defender has two years left on his contract after signing a five-year deal with Villa in September 2023.
Last season, he played 48 times as Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League. Konsa has played 286 matches for the club since moving from Brentford in 2019 and has been a regular starter under manager Unai Emery.
The Athletic also mentioned that Arsenal is interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah while looking at their options.
Fans reacted quickly on X to the news from The Athletic’s David Ornstein. #WelBeast wrote, "You bombers used to excite me. Anyways, Welcome to the Premier League Champions Konsa."
#imangelswakodie posted, "Arteta might actually sign 3 defenders every summer at this point man!! wtf!!!!!!!" #VidricIvanovit2 said, "We are sorted at the back. Saliba can get that much needed recovery."
#Hon_Manii commented, "Konsa at Arsenal? That’s a very serious defensive signing. Premier League proven, versatile, composed on the ball and entering his prime. If Arteta gets him, Arsenal’s defence just got even harder to break down."
#moxrayreal added, "Saliba is injured for months. Timber is still injured. We have only one senior centerback if Mosquera or Gabriel get injured." #MrTuhau also noted, "Well, winning Europa League ain’t enough for Konsa; he wants to win the Premier League."
The potential signing would bring proven Premier League experience and flexibility to Mikel Arteta’s squad as Arsenal gets ready for the new season.
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