According to the British press, the reigning Premier League champions are preparing to send an official offer to Aston Villa to recruit Ezri Konsa. Previously, Arsenal had only stopped at a probing level, but Saliba's injury situation forced the Emirates home team to speed up the plan.
Saliba has played the entire World Cup campaign with the French team in a state of spinal injury. The 25-year-old center-back had to leave the field in the first half of the semi-final match against Spain and is currently facing the possibility of having surgery.
If the treatment process proceeds as expected, the French star is likely to be absent in the early stages of the new season, forcing coach Mikel Arteta to add a quality center-back.
Ezri Konsa emerged as the most suitable target after a stable performance in Aston Villa as well as the England national team at the World Cup. The 27-year-old player's current contract with Villa is still valid for two years, but the two sides have not yet reached an extension agreement.
According to sources from England, Aston Villa will only agree to let Konsa leave if they receive about 60 million pounds.
Konsa's performance in recent times has also received very high praise from teammate Ollie Watkins. He said: "I think Ezri is underestimated too much. It's crazy that he has played so stably and quietly for so many years. I think he is one of the best center-backs in the Premier League. People don't realize it immediately.
I don't know if it's because of his reputation at Villa or not. People always look at top teams. But in terms of defense, he's not wrong. I remember the match against Brazil and Vinicius Junior couldn't get past his defense. He's very solid.
Watkins also suggested to Arsenal how to use Konsa if they successfully recruit this defender: "He can play right-back and clearly his forte position is center-back. But if he plays in that position, I completely believe he can bring more than just one job.
Arsenal's early shift to Konsa shows that the London team does not want to take risks with the personnel situation in the defense. If the deal is completed, the England international is expected to fill the void left by Saliba in the early stages of the season, while increasing the squad depth for the ambition to defend the Premier League title and conquer the Champions League.
