Arsenal are set to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta moves to strengthen his defensive options.
The Gunners have pushed ahead with the move after injuries left Arteta short of established options across his backline.
Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
Arteta enters the new campaign after finally guiding Arsenal back to the top of English football last season. The Gunners won their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 campaign.
Their defence played a major role in that success, conceding only 27 league goals across the season. However, injuries have complicated Arteta’s preparations for the new campaign.
William Saliba suffered a serious back injury during the World Cup, while Jurrien Timber also remains unavailable with a groin problem.
Those absences have increased Arsenal’s need for another defender who can provide immediate cover in multiple positions.
According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
Work between the clubs has advanced as they attempt to finalise an agreement following discussions at ownership level.
Konsa particularly appeals to Arsenal because he can operate both centrally and at right-back. The England international also has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract.
Arsenal considered other defensive possibilities during the window, including Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. However, they have now pushed forward with their pursuit of Konsa.
The 28-year-old returned to Aston Villa for pre-season on Monday after receiving additional time off following the World Cup.
Konsa played 48 times across all competitions last season as Villa finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Europa League.
He also played an important role for England at the World Cup, starting every game before their semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Konsa has accumulated 286 appearances for Aston Villa since joining the club from Brentford in 2019.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
