Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club intends to sign a new defender, with Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa expected to join the Gunners in the near future.
Arteta identified the defensive issue facing his side by saying: “We have a specific problem.” His comments provide confirmation that Arsenal are actively seeking to strengthen their back line before the start of the Premier League campaign.
Konsa, 28, is the player most likely to arrive at Emirates Stadium. Aston Villa have already agreed to sell the centre-back, meaning the proposed move appears to be close to completion.
The England defender is therefore expected to become the latest addition to Arsenal’s squad as the club prepares for its opening Premier League fixture. The Gunners will host Coventry at Emirates Stadium on Friday in the first round of the competition.
Kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 Moscow time.
Arteta’s confirmation makes clear that the move for Konsa is linked to a specific requirement within Arsenal’s defence rather than being an unspecified addition to the squad. The manager has publicly acknowledged the need for a new defender, while Aston Villa’s agreement to sell the player has created the conditions for the transfer to proceed.
Konsa’s anticipated arrival would give Arsenal another option at centre-back. The 28-year-old has been identified as the club’s defensive target, and Villa’s willingness to sanction his departure means the deal is expected to be completed soon.
For Arsenal, the timing of the move comes as they prepare to begin their Premier League campaign against Coventry. The fixture will be played at home on Friday, with the match starting at 22:00 Moscow time.
The club’s immediate priority is now the opening-round meeting with Coventry, but the transfer of Konsa remains the main development surrounding Arteta’s squad. The manager has confirmed Arsenal’s intention to reinforce the defence, and the agreement between the two clubs suggests that Konsa could soon join the London side.
The expected transfer would see Konsa leave Aston Villa and move to Arsenal after Villa accepted the sale of the 28-year-old centre-back. Arteta’s comments have also clarified the reason for the club’s interest: Arsenal have a particular defensive problem that they believe requires a new signing.
With the Premier League opener taking place on Friday, Arsenal’s preparations are continuing alongside the proposed deal for Konsa. The Gunners will face Coventry at home in the opening round, while the transfer remains the clearest indication of how Arteta wants to address the issue he has highlighted.
The move has not yet been described as completed, but Aston Villa have agreed to sell Konsa and he is expected to join Arsenal in the near future.
