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paininthearsenal.com1 hour ago

How Arsenal could line up at the start of the season with Ezri Konsa in defence

How Arsenal could line up at the start of the season with Ezri Konsa in defence

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign star defender Ezri Konsa this summer, which is a huge pull for an already stacked defence.

Now, Mikel Arteta has even more options for the centre-back and right-back positions, as Konsa has shown in the past that his versatility is good enough to be involved in both.

Arsenal play Coventry City in their first game of the season on Friday, and it is expected that Konsa would immediately have an important role as soon as he is announced. Maybe not for Coventry, but for any fixture after that.

It begs the question: where would Arteta actually play him? Does he replace the injured William Saliba for the time being, or does he slot in at right-back, while Cristhian Mosquera retains his place as the right centre-half?

Was there any debate here? David Raya is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and has hardly put a foot wrong for the club in the last two years.

Ben White is the only right-back the team has that has been playing in this position for long enough. When fit, White has played a lot better and more naturally than Mosquera or Konsa, and he will keep his place as long as he is fit, until Jurrien Timber returns.

Konsa would slot in well at the right centre-back spot. He is a better, more proven player than Mosquera, and is easily the third best defender Arsenal have in their ranks. Having him would be key in any game Saliba doesn't feature in.

Gabriel is one of the very best central defenders in world football, and he is also the most obvious name on the teamsheet.

Calafiori is a great option that Arsenal have when he is fit. He provides slightly more in attack than Piero Hincapie, which is why Arteta might go for him. The season is long, and the player has been injury-prone as of late, but on his day, he is one of the best in the league in his position.

Declan Rice is the team's best player. No brainer.

A brilliant addition to the team's midfield, Guimaraes will join Konsa in increasing Arsenal's physicality in and around their penalty area. It will be really interesting to watch him play alongside Rice.

With such brilliant defensive coverage behind him, Odegaard will be freer than ever to create more danger for Arsenal. This will be an important year for him.

Saka has not played a lot as of late, but that will soon fade away and the Englishman will keep his right-wing spot, despite Noni Madueke taking his place in the Community Shield.

The team's only natural striker. The hope is for him to have a better season, and it will be interesting to find out if it happens.

Tzolis is already turning heads at Arsenal with his creativity and similarities to Alexis Sanchez, and depending on whether Arsenal sign another winger, he can have a crucial role this season.

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