Arsenal are poised to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa after a dramatic breakthrough in transfer talks.
The Premier League champions are desperate to make reinforcements at the back with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba set to miss the start of the season.
Mikel Arteta has been eager to recruit a defender capable of offering cover at both right-back and centre-half with Konsa emerging as their top target.
Having already lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Villa were determined to hold onto their defender and were thought to be asking for £60million for the 28-year-old.
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But The Athletic reports Arsenal are now closing in on a deal after positive talks at ‘ownership level’ to reduce the valuation gap.
Arsenal have strengthened in midfield and attack with the signings of Bruno Guimareas and Christos Tzolis.
Speaking after Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City, Arteta underlined the need to strengthen at the back with key figures still sidelined.
Asked whether his focus was now on defensive reinforcements after the arrival of Guimareas, Arteta said: ‘We know there are certain areas that through injuries we are weaker and we need to strengthen.
‘We’re trying to do that and we’ve been trying to do that for weeks. Only when the opportunity is right for the club will we do it.’
More to follow
