Arteta confirms Arsenal want to sign defender after Konsa link
After an earlier bid was rejected, Arsenal increased their offer to £50 million and moved closer to signing Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal is actively pursuing a defender for their squad after agreeing to a deal for Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa. Arteta, who has been targeting a centre-back since the end of last season, is reportedly close to finalising the £50 million ($68 million) offer for the 28-year-old England international.
With William Saliba injured and Jurrien Timber recuperating from a groin injury, Konsa would bolster Arsenal's defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners had previously rejected Konsa's bid and briefly considered Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah, but have since improved their offer for the defender. Arteta expressed his positive outlook and confidence in the transfer, while acknowledging that external factors also play a role.
He emphasized the importance of retaining a strong squad to compete in multiple competitions and ensure his players feel valued.
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- Seven defenders on the books - why Arsenal still want Konsa bbc.co.uk
- Arteta confirms Arsenal want to sign defender after Konsa link freemalaysiatoday.com
