Mikel Arteta identifies preferred Arsenal defender signing despite valuation gap
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as his preferred defensive signing as the Gunners attempt to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, speaking on Latte Firm, Arteta favours Konsa because he wants an experienced defender capable of immediately stepping into his team rather than requiring a lengthy adaptation period.
The major obstacle remains the clubs’ valuations, with Arsenal understood to value the England international at around £40 million while Villa are holding firm at approximately £60m.
That leaves the clubs roughly £20m apart and Arsenal facing a decision over how far they are prepared to stretch for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal initially explored a deal earlier this summer, but their opening proposal was reported to be around £30m and was rejected by Villa.
Their interest has since intensified as Arteta seeks another senior defender following injury problems involving William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Konsa’s Premier League experience appears to be particularly attractive to Arteta, with the defender having established himself as one of Villa’s most dependable players since arriving from Brentford in 2019.
He made 48 appearances across all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and has also demonstrated his versatility by operating at centre-back and right-back.
Arsenal have investigated several alternatives, including former Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero before he completed his Atletico Madrid move, while negotiations have also begun with Bayer Leverkusen over former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.
However, Mokbel’s update suggests Konsa currently sits above those alternatives on Arteta’s list because of his ability to make an immediate contribution.
That could prove particularly important with Arsenal beginning their Premier League title defence against Coventry City next week and Saliba expected to miss the start of the campaign.
Villa are under little pressure to compromise after an impressive campaign and reportedly remain determined to receive a fee reflecting Konsa’s importance to Unai Emery.
Arsenal therefore appear likely to have to move considerably closer to Villa’s £60m valuation if they want to secure Arteta’s first-choice defensive target.
The club have already demonstrated their willingness to spend significantly this summer, including the £75m acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, but must decide whether another substantial investment represents good value.
Arteta reiterated before Sunday’s Community Shield that Arsenal want to improve their squad further without discussing individual targets.
Konsa now appears to be the defender he would most like Arsenal to deliver, but bridging the remaining £20m gap with Villa will determine whether that preference becomes another major summer signing.
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