Arsenal are considering a move for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, but the interest is still at an early stage as Mikel Arteta’s side continue to prioritize attacking reinforcements.
According to the Telegraph, Konsa is on the radar of Arsenal as they consider defensive options this summer.
The 27-year-old has become one of Villa’s most reliable players and is currently valued at around £60m by the Midlands club.
Arsenal’s situation is complicated by the defender’s strong interest in Aston Villa and England team-mate Morgan Rodgers.
Rodgers was one of Arsenal’s top attacking targets this summer, but Villa’s huge valuation has already made a deal difficult.
Including the concerto in the conversation could make negotiations with Villa even more delicate.
There are Arsenal fans in the concert.
The appeal of concerts is easy to understand.
He is a proven player in the Premier League, comfortable at centre-back and right-back, and has developed into a calm and stable defender under Unai Emery.
That versatility will appeal to Arteta, especially with Arsenal needing depth over a long season.
talkSPORT reported that Arteta has increased interest and Konsa is seen as a player who can add quality and experience to Arsenal’s backline.
However, Villa’s £60m valuation is currently more than Arsenal are willing to pay.
Villa is also doing well. Selling both Rodgers and Konsa to Arsenal would be a big decision as they don’t want to lose too many important players at once.
Gunners must navigate their interests smartly
Konsa would be a very good signing for Arsenal, but only at the right price.
He is reliable, adaptable and already understands the demands of the Premier League, which would reduce the risk of a move.
The problem is priorities. Arsenal need attacking quality and Rodgers appears to be the bigger target.
The club will need to think carefully if spending so much money on Konsa weakens their chances of signing Rodgers.
The £60m defender only makes sense if Arteta sees him as a key part of his starting plans.
Otherwise, Arsenal may be better off keeping their focus on Rodgers and exploring cheaper defensive alternatives.
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