Arsenal closing in on deal for Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa. Photo Credit:IG | EzriKonsa

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with the Premier League champions actively seeking defensive reinforcements this summer after key injuries left gaps in their backline.

According to a report by The Athletic on Wednesday, “Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.” The publication added that the Gunners “are in the market for defensive reinforcement with both William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined with injuries.”

Work is now advancing with Aston Villa to finalise the move after dialogue at ownership level helped reduce the valuation 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,” The Athletic reported.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are currently sidelined with injuries, creating the need for cover at the back.

Konsa returned to Villa for pre-season on Monday after being given extended time off following the World Cup, where he was part of England’s squad that reached the semi-finals.

He started every match until the 2-1 defeat to Argentina, appearing as a 72nd-minute substitute in that game.

The defender has two years remaining on his contract after signing a five-year deal with Villa in September 2023.

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He made 48 appearances in all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League. Konsa has featured in 286 matches for the club since joining from Brentford in 2019 and has been a regular under manager Unai Emery.

The Athletic also noted that Arsenal held interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as they assessed their options.

Fans reacted swiftly on X to the update 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!!!!!!!”, As #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 add proven Premier League experience and versatility to Mikel Arteta’s squad as Arsenal prepare for the new season.