Arsenal are making strides in their negotiations to acquire Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with hopes of reaching a compromise on a transfer fee in the coming days. Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to reinforce his defensive options after William Saliba sustained a serious injury and Jurrien Timber continues his return to fitness.
The club has identified a right-sided defender as a priority to avoid being short in that area, especially as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Konsa, 28, who featured for England in this summer's World Cup, is expected to command a fee of approximately £50m, though Villa initially valued him at around £60m.
Konsa could compete with Cristhian Mosquera to deputise for Saliba alongside Gabriel Magalhaes for the season opener against Coventry. He can also offer cover at right-back, providing an alternative to Ben White while Jurrien Timber manages his comeback from groin surgery. Arteta previously confirmed the club had been working "for weeks" to upgrade the defence.
Saliba is anticipated to be out for months with a back problem, and Timber's role will initially be restricted. Konsa's arrival could provide immediate cover, potentially allowing Arteta to deploy White at right-back and Mosquera at centre-back alongside Gabriel.