Arsenal close in on £50m Ezri Konsa signing as Arteta confirms defensive reinforcement

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club remains active in the transfer market as the Premier League champions continue

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club remains active in the transfer market as the Premier League champions continue their efforts to strengthen their defence, with Aston Villa and England centre-back Ezri Konsa reportedly close to joining the north London club.

Arsenal have been searching for an additional defender since the conclusion of last season, and Konsa has emerged as their preferred target. The Gunners previously saw an offer for the 28-year-old rejected earlier in the transfer window before temporarily turning their attention towards Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.

However, Arsenal are now understood to have increased their proposal for Konsa to around £50 million ($68 million), with reports suggesting that negotiations are close to being completed.

Konsa’s potential arrival comes at a crucial time for Arteta’s side. William Saliba is expected to miss an extended period because of a back problem, while Jurrien Timber is also recovering from a groin injury. If the transfer is completed, Konsa could partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the centre of Arsenal’s defence.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Arteta confirmed that the club was working to strengthen the squad but stopped short of officially announcing the transfer.

“We are really active in the market,” Arteta said, adding that Arsenal had identified defence as an area requiring additional reinforcement because of their current injury situation. He also stressed that completing a transfer depends on several factors beyond the club’s control.

Konsa would become another significant addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer. Since the end of the previous campaign, the club have already brought in Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier as Arteta looks to build a team capable of competing for major honours on multiple fronts.

Arsenal are aiming to retain their Premier League crown and secure back-to-back league titles for the first time since the 1930s. Their title defence begins at home against newly promoted Coventry on Friday.

Arteta has challenged his players to maintain the standards required to be considered among the greatest teams in Premier League history. He said the most successful sides demonstrate their quality consistently, rather than only during important matches.

Arsenal have already made an impressive start to the new season by defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday. The victory provided an early indication of the club’s ambitions and served as a warning to their domestic rivals.

Arteta said he was feeling more motivated and enthusiastic than ever, while insisting that his players must continue improving rather than becoming satisfied with their recent achievements.

The manager also addressed speculation surrounding several players. He insisted that teenage midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly would remain at Arsenal when the transfer window closes, despite reports linking him with Manchester United and Chelsea.

Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have also reportedly considered moves in search of more regular first-team opportunities. However, Arteta said he wanted to maintain a strong and sizeable squad because Arsenal will compete across four competitions.

The manager explained that last season had taught him the importance of squad depth, particularly when several players in the same position are unavailable through injury. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that players must feel valued and receive enough playing time.

With the potential arrival of Konsa, Arsenal would further strengthen their defensive options as they prepare for a demanding campaign and attempt to defend their Premier League title.