Arsenal make Ezri Konsa their next priority after Bruno Guimaraes breakthrough

Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa after moving closer to completing a deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.

The Premier League champions have already signed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier this summer, while they have also made Piero Hincapie’s move permanent after he spent last season at the club on loan.

A fourth deal is now close to being confirmed, with Arsenal finally reaching an agreement to sign Guimaraes following lengthy negotiations with Newcastle United.

The Brazil international has already completed his medical at Arsenal and is expected to strengthen manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.

However, Arsenal’s recruitment plans do not end with Guimaraes. The club continue to explore further additions and remain hopeful of completing a major deal for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid.

Their immediate focus, according to the Daily Mail, is a second approach for Konsa. Arsenal are looking to reinforce their defence after William Saliba suffered a back injury while representing France at this summer’s World Cup.

Arsenal made an initial offer for the England international earlier in the summer, but that proposal was reportedly well below Aston Villa’s valuation of £60m for the 28-year-old.

Despite that setback, Arsenal have not abandoned their leading centre-back target. They could test Villa’s resolve again with an improved offer as they consider their options at the heart of defence.

Konsa played in all eight of England’s matches at the World Cup this summer. The Three Lions finished third in the tournament, their best position since 1966.

Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leave the club during the current transfer window. As a result, the club are not under financial pressure to sell Konsa.

The Daily Mail reports that Villa would only consider allowing the defender to join Arsenal at Emirates Stadium if they first secure a suitable replacement.

Konsa’s potential arrival would give Arteta another option in central defence at a time when Saliba’s injury has increased the need for defensive cover. Arsenal’s pursuit of the Villa player also indicates that the club are continuing to strengthen across several areas after making progress on their deal for Guimaraes.

If the transfer is completed, Konsa would become Arsenal’s fifth signing of the summer, following Tzolis, Meslier, Hincapie and the imminent arrival of Guimaraes. The club must now decide whether to make a second bid that is strong enough to persuade Villa to part with one of their key defenders.