Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are working hard behind the scenes to strengthen their squad, with the club strongly linked with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The Gunners are aiming to defend their Premier League title and have already identified key targets, including Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who is expected to complete a move to the Emirates.
Speaking after Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona, Arteta told reporters: "Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear. We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else. And you can just see the transfer market and our opponents."
"What we are doing, we won't sit still, and we are very ambitious in what we want to do."
Arsenal's Transfer Plans Taking Shape
Arsenal have already experienced disappointment this summer, missing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea instead. Despite that setback, the club remain confident of bringing in top-quality reinforcements, with Konsa emerging as a primary defensive target. The England international has reportedly expressed openness to a move to the capital, although Aston Villa are determined not to lose one of their most valuable players.
The Gunners have been active in the market, but Arteta's comments suggest that significant business is still to come. The addition of Bruno Guimaraes is believed to be close, and adding a centre-back of Konsa's calibre would further bolster a squad that has already shown its title-winning credentials.
Konsa's Rising Stock
Ezri Konsa's reputation has soared over the past month, thanks to his pivotal role in helping England reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. The defender even got on the scoresheet in the thrilling 6-4 bronze play-off clash against France, showcasing his ability on the biggest stage. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Liverpool, who are also monitoring his situation.
Former Liverpool defender Jason McAteer believes that signing Konsa would be a shrewd piece of business for any club. "I see a more ready-made centre-back coming in who's got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa," McAteer said. "I don't think he's done himself any harm with his performances at the World Cup. I think he showed his versatility and maturity."
McAteer Heaps Praise on Villa Star
McAteer continued: "Listen, his performances under Unai Emery for Aston Villa have been exciting. I think he's been solid. I think he's a solid 7.5 out of 10 every game. He's good in the air, he's quick, he reads the game, and obviously Liverpool have missed out on quite a few very good central defenders, with Marc Guehi being one. I don't think they should make that mistake again with Konsa."
The former Republic of Ireland international also offered a stark warning to Aston Villa, suggesting that they may be powerless to prevent a departure if a significant offer arrives. Speaking to PariruiX, McAteer said: "Villa are very active in the market at the minute. They've lost (Morgan) Rogers and (Youri) Tielemans. And when I say active, I mean negatively. Unai Emery will be fighting to keep his sort of marquee players and Konsa is that marquee player, but money talks."
Potential £80m Move and Van Dijk Succession
McAteer added: "If Liverpool are going to go and throw £80million at Konsa and bring him in then Villa, I'm sure for FFP, will take the opportunity for that kind of money." He also drew a comparison to Liverpool's defensive future, saying: "When Virgil van Dijk goes you don't want someone who is in that young mould. You want someone who's got that experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player when he comes in, so Konsa would be a good buy for me."
With Arteta confirming the club's ambition and McAteer endorsing Konsa's credentials, the coming weeks are set to be crucial for Arsenal's transfer business. The Gunners are clearly determined to strengthen their squad, and if they manage to secure both Guimaraes and Konsa, they will send a strong message to their rivals in the Premier League title race.
