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Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a significant transfer for Aston Villa's versatile defender Ezri Konsa, in yet another demonstration of the club's "win-now" approach.
A well-established England international at 28, Konsa represents a ready-made acquisition for the defending Premier League champions—or rather, the "attacking" Premier League champions, as Arteta has stubbornly maintained.
The center back does not come at a bargain price. Following swift negotiations over an appropriate valuation, Arsenal and Villa have agreed on an initial $69.4 million (£51 million at the time) fee, potentially boosted by undisclosed add-ons, per The Athletic. A medical is expected to be arranged for Thursday, with an official announcement set to follow shortly.
This substantial expenditure would push the Gunners' total spending beyond $250 million, with Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis joining Piero Hincapié, whose loan move was made permanent. Despite much discussion about attacking reinforcements, it is notable that Arsenal have pressed ahead with additional defensive depth.
The substitutes' bench during Sunday's Community Shield exposed a shortage of options in that area of the pitch—traditionally one of the strongest aspects of the league's best defense. Hincapié was the sole defender Arteta had available to him.
While Jurriën Timber continues his difficult recovery from a groin injury expected to sideline him for several more weeks, William Saliba could be watching from the stands for months. Konsa is such a crucial signing precisely because he can fill both positions.
Arteta to Relish Konsa's Versatility
Right Back Cover
It appears that Konsa's immediate role will be to reinforce the right flank. Ben White endured some inconsistent form last season—largely due to being overworked while Timber was sidelined—and Arteta may be tempted to turn to his fellow Spaniard.
Interestingly, Konsa did not make a single appearance at right back for Villa last season, with all 48 outings coming as one of two center backs. However, he was used as a fullback by Thomas Tuchel for England's World Cup quarterfinal against Norway this summer. Norway's left winger Andreas Schjelderup did open the scoring from that flank, though Konsa could hardly be faulted for a fortunate cross finding the top corner.
Timber should realistically be back in contention after the first international break of the season—at the very latest. With both White and Timber available, Konsa could then be shifted into a central role.
Secure Second Center Back
Cristhian Mosquera has performed admirably during his various appearances in central defense since joining Arsenal last summer. Nevertheless, it would be difficult to argue that Konsa isn't a step up.
Unai Emery rarely hands out compliments, but Konsa has earned his highest expression of confidence through consistent selection. Prince William has been even more generous in his admiration for the cornerstone of the club he supports. "He called me a Rolls-Royce once," Konsa said of the King-in-waiting. "That stuck with me. I'll take that any day. It was really lovely." It was also fairly spot-on.
Will Ezri Konsa Start for Arsenal If Everyone Is Fit?
As capable as Konsa is, Saliba and Gabriel will almost certainly remain Arteta's first-choice pairing when both are fit and available.
There could be more of a contest at fullback. Timber may not match Konsa's height, but he is a deceptively effective aerial presence—and defensive anchor—at set pieces, while also providing more natural attacking impetus in open play. Konsa could potentially earn his way into Arteta's plans while the Dutch international continues his recovery.
Football is an unforgiving meritocracy and Arteta is not a man driven by sentiment. If Konsa proves to be the superior option over even his most trusted regulars, the Arsenal manager will make the call that gives his side the best chance of winning.