With just a week until they commence their title defence in the Premier League, Arsenal are expediting their search for a new centre back after William Saliba’s injury, which will keep him out for an indefinite period of time.
BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel has reported that the Gunners are keen on signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and despite recent links to Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarrell Quansah, the Premier League star has been identified as the primary option.
Konsa could depart Villa Park during the ongoing transfer window to pursue a new challenge after spending a few seasons on the Clarets’ books, and Arsenal are the kind of club who would be an upgrade for him and help him challenge for silverware.
Villa value the 28-year-old at £60 million and while it remains to be seen how much the Londoners had budgeted for a defensive signing, Konsa promises to be worth the investment for them with all-round and modern qualities.
Konsa worth prioritising over Quansah
It comes as no surprise that Arsenal have decided to make Ezri Konsa their preferred target for the transfer window ahead of Jarrell Quansah, who remains a top quality defender but does not bring as much to the table as his compatriot.
Ezri Konsa’s experience of being a right back and success rate in one-on-one situations is likely to have ranked him higher on Arsenal’s shortlist because Jurrien Timber was injured for much of the summer and Ben White’s future at the club is uncertain.
From a price standpoint, £60 million reads reasonably for a player who has recently earned experience in the European competitions, emerging triumphant in the Europa League last year and becoming an important part of England’s squads.
He did not play in the UEFA Super Cup after participating with England in the World Cup, so if Arsenal can get a deal done for him within the next few days, it is fair to presume Konsa has already tasted his final action as an Aston Villa player.
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