Major breakthrough: Arsenal on the verge of completing £51m blockbuster signing

Arsenal are on the verge of completing another blockbuster transfer this summer.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign defender Ezri Konsa for a fee of £51 million plus add-ons.

The Gunners initially wanted to land the 28-year-old for around £40m, but Villa stood firm on their £60m valuation before the two clubs eventually found common ground.

It was revealed earlier today that fresh dialogue has taken place at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap for the defender.

Konsa said goodbye to his Villa team-mates today and is expected to undergo a medical tomorrow.

The agreement represents another major boost for Arsenal, who recently completed the sensational signing of former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Christos Tzolis and Ilan Meslier have also arrived at the Emirates this summer, while the Gunners have confirmed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie.

Manager Mikel Arteta would be delighted with the latest acquisition of Konsa as he was desperate for a new defender.

William Saliba suffered a back injury during the FIFA World Cup and is expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to form the centre-back partnership until the French international returns.

The England international can also operate at right-back, giving Arteta valuable defensive versatility.

Konsa brings considerable experience, having made 287 appearances for Villa during his seven-year spell at the club.

The 28-year-old was also an important part of the Villa side that lifted the UEFA Europa League last season.

Stats from Fotmob.com

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