English Premier League
Arsenal target Ezri Konsa after agreeing Bruno Guimaraes deal
Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as they turn their attention to a potential fifth signing after reaching an agreement to bring in Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Premier League champions have already signed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier this summer. They have also made Piero Hincapie’s move permanent after the defender spent last season at the club on loan.
A fourth deal is now close to being confirmed, with Arsenal finally reaching an agreement to sign Guimaraes following lengthy negotiations with Newcastle United.
The Brazil international has already completed his medical at Arsenal and is expected to strengthen manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.
Arsenal are not stopping there, with the club continuing to explore further additions to their squad. They remain hopeful of completing a major deal for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, although their immediate focus has shifted to reinforcing their defence.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are ready to make a second offer for England defender Konsa. The move is being considered after William Saliba suffered a back injury while representing France at the World Cup.
Arsenal made an initial approach for Konsa earlier in the summer, but that proposal was reportedly well below Aston Villa’s £60m valuation of the 28-year-old.
Despite that setback, Arsenal have not abandoned their pursuit of their preferred centre-back target. A new bid would allow them to test Villa’s resolve and establish whether the club is prepared to negotiate a potential transfer.
Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leave during the summer transfer window. As a result, they are not under financial pressure to sell Konsa.
The club would, however, reportedly only consider allowing the defender to move to Emirates Stadium if they first secure a suitable replacement.
Konsa played in all eight of England’s matches at this summer’s World Cup, where the Three Lions finished third. It was England’s best World Cup finish since their 1966 triumph.
His possible arrival would give Arteta another option in central defence at a time when Saliba’s injury has created uncertainty in that area. Arsenal’s interest also underlines the scale of their recruitment plans, with the club attempting to strengthen multiple positions after securing a deal for Guimaraes.
The Newcastle captain’s medical has already been completed, leaving the final stages of the transfer to be concluded. Once that move is formally confirmed, Arsenal’s attention is expected to centre on whether Villa can be persuaded to part with Konsa and whether an agreement can be reached over the defender’s valuation.