Arsenal are reportedly showing interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with the move potentially linked to injury concerns surrounding William Saliba.
The Daily Telegraph has claimed that Arsenal could make a move for the 28-year-old, though the interest is currently described as tentative by reporter Matt Law.
Saliba is understood to have a back problem that may require surgery following the World Cup, which would rule him out for several months.
That potential absence would make signing an experienced Premier League centre-back like Konsa a very sensible piece of business for the Gunners this summer.
Konsa has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence, establishing himself as a genuine first choice for England under manager Thomas Tuchel during the tournament.
It was far from inevitable that Konsa would command a starting role, with established names John Stones and Marc Guehi both shuffled around to accommodate him in the backline.
His consistency and reliability have made him a constant presence in the England defence, while Stones and Guehi have been used in more rotational capacities.
For many supporters, Konsa remains underrated despite a very solid career at Aston Villa that has arguably gone under the radar compared to some of his peers.
Villa would not let their key man leave without a substantial fee, with the club in an upwardly mobile period and unlikely to negotiate cheaply on a player who is now an England starter.
Arsenal are already well stocked in their defensive options, which is precisely why these rumours have fuelled speculation that something significant is happening with Saliba’s fitness situation.
Any deal would represent a significant outlay, with Konsa’s standing as both a Premier League regular and international starter placing his market value at a considerable level.
Whether the interest develops into a concrete offer remains to be seen, but the logic behind the move becomes clear if Saliba does indeed require time on the sidelines.
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