Why Arsenal are closing in on Ezri Konsa and where it leaves Aston Villa

The Gunners have noticeably strengthened in midfield and attacking areas, with Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis improving the centre of the park and the left wing.

However, there has been plenty of speculation around the North Londoners bulking up their defence before the transfer window closes, with Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah reported targets.

Now, there have been significant developments about Arsenal's pursuit of Konsa, and it appears that his arrival at the Emirates is just a matter of time.

Arsenal closing in on deal for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa have already lost several key players, including Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, and it seems that they will now lose Konsa too.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the England international for much of the summer, with reports emerging in early July that they were eyeing the defender.

Now, the Gunners are advancing with Villa to finalise a deal for the 28-year-old after dialogue at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The centre-back has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park, having signed a five-year deal in September 2023.

Konsa has amassed just shy of 300 appearances during his time for the West Midlands club and started seven of his eight appearances for the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Why are the Gunners pursuing Konsa?

Last season, Arsenal had the best defence in the Premier League, conceding just 27 goals, while they also kept the most clean sheets with 19.

However, as the Gunners prepare for their opener with Coventry City on Friday night, they face the prospect of being without two of their leading defenders for some time.

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William Saliba is recovering from a back problem, which forced him off in France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, an issue he had been managing for several weeks.

While no time frame has been provided by Arteta about his potential return, it is believed he will not play anytime soon, with Christhian Mosquera expected to fill his place.

Arsenal also have problems on the right as Jurrien Timber is recovering from a persistent groin injury that kept him out of the World Cup.

Timber underwent minor surgery on his groin in June, and while he has returned to training on the grass, he is expected to miss the Coventry clash and could return in September at the earliest.

With two positions to fill, the Gunners have pursued players who can cover both but have seemingly opted for Konsa, who covered Quansah for England at right-back following his red card against Mexico.

Where would Konsa sale leave Villa?

Unai Emery's first team has been torn to shreds this summer, with Rogers, Tielemans and Lucas Digne already departed, but that is not expected to be the end of the exodus.

As well as Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez could leave the club, with the striker linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Martinez's move to Juventus collapsed, with Japan number one Zion Suzuki arriving from Parma.

The transfers of Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Matteo Ruggeri stand out as promising ones, but Emery will have his work cut out to get a tune out of Alejandro Garnacho.

On current evidence, the Villans' squad certainly appears weaker, and with Champions League football to contend with, the club could work late into the transfer window to add more quality.

If any manager can thrive after losing so many key players, it is Emery, but he has a mammoth task to replicate the fine work he did last season.

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