Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence with significant concerns surrounding Mikel Arteta’s defensive options.
The Gunners ended their 22-year title drought last season after producing another campaign built around defensive strength.
They conceded only 27 league goals while holding off Manchester City to secure the Premier League crown.
Arsenal also reached the Champions League final, although Paris Saint-Germain eventually defeated them on penalties.
The club have since invested heavily as Arteta attempts to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
Bruno Guimaraes became their headline summer arrival after completing a £75 million transfer from Newcastle United.
Christos Tzolis also joined for £34 million, while Arsenal made Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent.
However, injuries have increased the need for another experienced defender before the summer transfer window closes.
William Saliba currently faces an extended absence because of a back problem, creating a major gap in Arteta’s defence.
Jurrien Timber also remains sidelined, leaving Arsenal requiring additional cover across multiple positions in their backline.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have now agreed a deal with Aston Villa to sign Ezri Konsa for £51 million plus add-ons.
The 28-year-old has already said goodbye to his Villa teammates and will undergo his Arsenal medical on Thursday.
Konsa offers Arteta valuable versatility because he can operate both centrally and on the right side of defence.
Arsenal had monitored the England international throughout the summer before Saliba’s injury increased the urgency surrounding defensive recruitment.
The defender made 48 appearances across all competitions last season as Villa finished fourth and won the Europa League.
He also featured prominently for England during their run to the World Cup semi-finals this summer.
Konsa has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract and has accumulated 286 appearances since arriving from Brentford in 2019.
Arsenal will now work to finalise the transfer as Arteta strengthens his defence ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
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