Arsenal‘s first title defence since 2004 is rapidly closing. 22 years ago, the Gunners celebrated their invincible title win by spending less than £20m and were soon made to regret it, finishing second by 12 points.
This time around, they’re not making the same mistake. Ahead of the new campaign, the Premier League champions have spent big on Bruno Guimaraes, welcomed Christoz Tzolis, and now set their sights on a central defender. It’s looking like a statement summer even after missing out on Vinicius Junior.
A number of potential candidates have emerged, with the latest being Jarell Quansah. Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign the former Liverpool man, who Mikel Arteta is a fan of.
The Gunners would be getting one over on Liverpool in the process. The Reds had a buy-back clause worth around £69m this summer, but that has since expired, and the former Anfield man is open to a move to London.
However, Quansah is not the only name on Arsenal’s radar. Those in North London have also set their sights on Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa, having already seend a £30m bid knocked back, with the Villans requesting closer to £60m, according to the BBC.
With William Saliba and Jurrien Timber set to miss the start of the campaign, a deal for either Quansah or Konsa certainly makes sense. The England internationals can both play centre-back and right-back – providing cover for two injuries at once.
|
Most passes by centre-backs in the Premier League 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) |
2,506 |
|
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) |
2,207 |
|
Lewis Dunk (Brighton) |
2,188 |
|
Marc Guehi (Man City) |
2,096 |
|
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) |
2,016 |
|
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea) |
2,003 |
|
William Saliba (Arsenal) |
1,978 |
|
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) |
1,963 |
|
Joachim Anderson (Fulham) |
1,960 |
|
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) |
1,799 |
Konsa of course is also a European champion, having played a key part in his side’s historic Europa League run last season. If anyone is due a big move, it is the 28-year-old who played a key role for England at the 2026 World Cup.
Konsa’s biggest strength comes in possession. Last season, he completed 95% of his passes in the Premier League and often did so whilst progressing play, with 61 long passes throughout the campaign. Add on the fact that he completed eight dribbles – the same as Saliba – and it becomes clear exactly why he’s on Arsenal’s radar.
The Aston Villa man would be an excellent addition at Arsenal, who are already working on his arrival before the end of the month.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano for Caught Offside, Arsenal have made fresh contact to sign Konsa following the rejection of their first offer. The Gunners have learned that the Villans will now consider selling their star defender if a big proposal arrives.
The Premier League champions have certainly got the funds to reach the asking price too. They were linked with what would have been a record move for Vinicius Jr before the Real Madrid man signed a new contract in Spain.
They were also chasing £117m Morgan Rogers, only for Chelsea to swoop in and spend big. So, before the summer transfer window closes, there is every chance that Arsenal attempt to splash the cash yet again.
It would be a well-earned move for Konsa, who has earned plenty of praise during his time at Villa Park from both those watching from the stands and teammates like centre-back partner Pau Torres.
“I think he is really strong in the duels. He’s a winner. His capacity to lead the team from the back is amazing.”
As the Premier League campaign nears, the England international is increasingly one to watch – especially if Arsenal decide to spend big again.
