Player Mikel Arteta wants to sign next has just posted a photo of Bukayo Saka

Arsenal fans are reading into this one.

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have turned their attention toward defensive reinforcement following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.

The Premier League champions have also signed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, but are expected to make one or two more additions before the window closes.

Next on the agenda is bringing in a conventional right-sided centre-back, to provide cover in the absence of William Saliba.

Among the names being considered is Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, which has naturally split opinion among Gunners fans.

Other names have been mooted, including Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin, but the club’s ideal solution is Ezri Konsa.

Ezri Konsa posts photo of Bukayo Saka amid transfer rumours

Amid the speculation going around about the Aston Villa centre-back, Konsa has posted a carousel of photos from his summer on TikTok.

Among them is a picture of Bukayo Saka, wearing England gear from the World Cup camp.

The two were, of course, England teammates throughout the tournament, and are said to be best friends off the pitch.

Saka was even spotted FaceTiming Konsa on top of the bus during Arsenal’s Premier League title parade.

Konsa makes a ton of sense for what Arsenal are looking for. The 28-year-old would be able to come in immediately and do a good job, but when Saliba recovers, he will also be an excellent depth option.

Given his age profile, he also doesn’t block the pathway for Marli Salmon to break through.

Konsa is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates, but there is still a significant gap in valuation between Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Villa are holding out for £60million, while Arsenal are reluctant to go any higher than £40million.

Berta may be deploying a similar tactic to the Guimaraes pursuit, where a patient approach unsettles the player and forces the selling club to lower their price.

If Arsenal are serious about signing Konsa, a fresh bid is surely soon to come.