Arsenal are preparing a second offer for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as they continue to strengthen their squad after reaching an agreement to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazil international has already completed his medical at Arsenal and is expected to add further quality to manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options. His move from Newcastle would represent the club’s fourth signing of the summer, with Arsenal now turning their attention to what could become a fifth major addition.
Premier League champions Arsenal have already brought in Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, while they also made Piero Hincapie’s move permanent after he spent last season at the club on loan.
The agreement for Guimaraes follows lengthy negotiations with Newcastle United. Although the deal is close to completion, Arsenal are continuing to explore further reinforcements in several areas of the team.
They remain hopeful of completing a high-profile move for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, while Konsa has emerged as their leading target for the centre-back position.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are ready to test Aston Villa’s resolve with an improved proposal for the 28-year-old England defender. The club made an initial approach for Konsa earlier in the summer, but that offer was reportedly well below Villa’s valuation of £60m.
Arsenal have not abandoned their pursuit, however, and are expected to return with a second bid. The move has taken on added importance after William Saliba suffered a back injury while representing France at the World Cup.
Konsa is understood to remain Arsenal’s preferred option at centre-back, with the club considering whether a larger offer could persuade Villa to negotiate. Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leave this summer.
Those departures mean Villa are not under financial pressure to sell Konsa. The club are also understood to be unwilling to sanction a transfer to Emirates Stadium unless they first secure a suitable replacement.
Konsa has played in all eight of England’s matches at this summer’s World Cup. The Three Lions finished third in the tournament, their best placing since 1966.
Arsenal’s planned approach for Konsa comes as the club seek to complete a busy recruitment programme. The potential arrival of Guimaraes would strengthen Arteta’s midfield, while a new centre-back would provide additional cover in defence as the club assess Saliba’s situation.
With the Guimaraes deal nearing completion and further moves still being considered, Arsenal’s next offer for Konsa could determine whether the defender becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer.
