Arsenal remain keen on more additions in the ongoing transfer window but with only the final stretch to go before it closes, they could expedite their interest in some key targets as Mikel Arteta eyes an improved squad depth.
The Athletic has reported that Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa remains Arsenal’s preferred choice as they look to sign a central defender, but the Clarets’ £60 million asking price is proving to be a hurdle.
As per the source, the Gunners are looking to negotiate the English international’s asking price with Villa and it remains to be seen what is the lowest Unai Emery’s side is prepared to accept as far as the defender’s sale is concerned.
William Saliba was injured at the World Cup with France and is serving the next few months on the treatment table, and while Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes played well in the FA Community Shield, there is room for more defensive depth.
Konsa transfer could culminate late in the transfer window
Ezri Konsa did not feature in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain as Aston Villa granted him an extended time off following his participation at the World Cup with England earlier this summer.
It remains to be seen if he will be fit for matchday one of the Premier League this weekend and if Unai Emery is ready to entrust him in the playing eleven despite the 28-year-old’s future being up in the air.
Villa are under no real pressure to sell Konsa, but the defender might be tempted by the prospect of joining Arsenal in his prime, while the Gunners could also be ready to justify making him their top target as negotiations continue.
It is fair to think that Konsa’s prospective transfer to Arsenal might come to fruition in the final days of the transfer window with the Londoners the likelier of the two parties to make a financial compromise.
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