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Arsenal have made their first offer to Aston Villa for 28-year-old defender Ezri Konsa. The Birmingham side rejected the bid, but the Premier League champions are preparing an enhanced inquiry due to William Saliba's back injury.

Arsenal have ramped up their search for a new central defender following William Saliba's long-term injury. The Gunners have set their sights on 28-year-old Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa.

According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal have already submitted an initial proposal to the Birmingham club, but Aston Villa rejected the offer. However, the Londoners are unwilling to pull out of negotiations and are preparing an improved bid.

Why Arteta is focusing on Konsa

  • Saliba's injury: The loss of a key defender has forced the hierarchy to seek a player with Premier League experience who can slot into the starting XI immediately.
  • Versatility: Konsa's ability to operate centrally as well as on the right flank perfectly aligns with Arteta's requirement for flexibility in the defensive setup.
  • Bukayo Saka's endorsement: The Gunners' attacking leader has previously praised Konsa as "one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League," noting that training duels with him at England helped enhance his own game.

Simultaneously, Arsenal are maintaining contact with representatives of Tottenham's Cristian Romero, but securing Konsa from Aston Villa is viewed as the more feasible scenario.