Arsenals Ezri Konsa available to face former club Aston Villa, says Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Ezri Konsa is available to face former club Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday after settling into training following his move.

The defender has impressed since joining Arsenal and is in contention to play against the club he recently left.

“He’s available. He’s trained really well and he will be available for selection,” Arteta said.

Arteta does not expect Konsa to be affected by returning to Villa Park so soon after his departure from Aston Villa. The Arsenal boss said he would only have concerns if he had noticed a change in the player’s behaviour or character.

“If I see something different in the player then I may have a question about that, but the way I’ve seen Ezri since day one, knowing his personality really well and through people that have worked with him, I have no concern there,” he said.

Guimaraes fitness being managed

Arsenal are also monitoring Bruno Guimaraes, who has been dealing with a groin problem. The midfielder has resumed training, although the club are managing his workload carefully to give him the best chance of being fit for Monday’s match.

“He’s out on the pitch, he’s been doing training sessions but we need to manage his load to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be able to get selected,” Arteta said.

Guimaraes is therefore potentially available for the game against Aston Villa.

Questions have also been raised about the futures of Arsenal forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta said Jesus had not trained because of the way the club was managing individual situations within the squad, while Martinelli’s early departure from a training session was also described as a personal matter.

Despite the speculation around Martinelli, Arteta stressed his admiration for the Brazil international.

“I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi,” Arteta said. “Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”

Arteta confirmed he had spoken to both players and said the discussions had been positive, including when difficult decisions needed to be addressed.

“I’m very satisfied with how these conversations went because I know what is in each other’s hearts,” he said.

Arteta tight-lipped on transfer plans

The Arsenal manager declined to discuss reports linking the club with Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, saying he would not comment on players who are not part of his squad.

With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Arteta was also asked whether Arsenal planned to make further signings. He would not disclose the club’s intentions but said he was currently pleased with the players available to him.

“Today, I’m satisfied,” he said. “I hope that when it closes, I am even more satisfied.”

Arteta rejected the suggestion that Arsenal’s existing forwards should be unsettled by speculation about possible arrivals. He said players are told directly if the club is considering adding competition in their position.

“If we go to sign a player in their position, I tell them straight away,” Arteta said. “These are the plans and we believe the same in you, but the competition is going to increase.”

There was more positive news regarding Jurrien Timber, who has stepped up his training as he continues his recovery.

“Jurrien is progressing really well,” Arteta said. “He’s on the right trajectory if everything goes well.”

William Saliba is following a more cautious workload and is expected to need longer before returning.

Arteta also offered his support to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, despite Villa’s difficult beginning to the season.

“He’s one of the most experienced managers in the league, and one of the most successful without a shadow of a doubt,” Arteta said. “It’s just one game and that’s it – I’m sure he will turn it around.”

Arsenal will now switch their focus to the match at Villa Park on Monday night.

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