Arsenal’s search for another defender appears to be gathering pace as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta assess their options ahead of the final weeks of the transfer window.
With William Saliba and Jurrien Timber unavailable, the need for additional defensive cover has become increasingly apparent. Ideally, Arsenal seem to be looking for someone capable of operating at centre-back while also offering an option on the right.
Three names in particular are dominating the current conversation: Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa and Jules Koundé.
But the reported level of Arsenal’s interest differs significantly between the three.
So, where do things currently stand?
Jarell Quansah – talks are underway
Jarell Quansah currently appears to be the most concrete option.
Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the England international, with Arteta attracted by his ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back.
The 23-year-old only moved to Germany from Liverpool last summer and enjoyed an impressive first campaign with Leverkusen, but that creates Arsenal’s biggest problem.
Leverkusen don’t want to sell.
They have Quansah tied to a long-term contract and would require a significant offer to reconsider their position. Arsenal may therefore be talking, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this will be an easy deal to complete.
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa – can Arsenal and Villa bridge the gap?
Ezri Konsa has been on Arsenal’s radar throughout the summer.
The England international offers exactly the kind of versatility Arteta tends to value, having experience centrally and at right-back.
Arsenal have reportedly already tested Aston Villa’s resolve with an offer, but there remains a considerable difference between the two clubs’ valuations.
Villa are reluctant to lose the defender and are believed to value him at around £60-65 million.
Further discussions have reportedly taken place, so Konsa shouldn’t be ruled out, but the question is whether Arsenal are prepared to move significantly closer to Villa’s asking price.
Jules Koundé – one to watch rather than an advanced deal
Jules Koundé is perhaps the most intriguing name to have resurfaced.
The Barcelona defender was linked with Arsenal previously and would again fit the profile beautifully. He’s comfortable at both centre-back and right-back and has considerable experience at the highest level.
Reports from Spain suggest Arsenal are interested and Barcelona could consider a substantial offer.
However, this is where we need to distinguish between interest and negotiations.
Despite some of the stronger claims surrounding Koundé, there has yet to be reliable confirmation that Arsenal are actually negotiating with Barcelona for the Frenchman.
Koundé is therefore certainly one to watch, but at this stage the situation doesn’t appear to be as advanced as the Quansah or Konsa talks.
A clear profile is emerging
What’s particularly interesting about these three targets is how similar their profiles are.
Arsenal don’t simply appear to be searching for another centre-back.
Quansah, Konsa and Koundé can all provide options centrally and on the right, potentially allowing Arteta to address two areas of concern with one signing.
That versatility becomes even more valuable with Saliba and Timber unavailable.
Right now, Quansah appears to be the furthest advanced, because talks between Arsenal and Leverkusen have been reliably reported.
Konsa remains firmly in the picture if Arsenal and Villa can find common ground over his valuation, while Koundé is arguably the most exciting possibility but currently seems more a case of interest than an active negotiation.
With the transfer window moving towards its final stages, it increasingly looks like Arsenal intend to add another defender.
The big question is which one Andrea Berta can get through the door.
So, Gooners, if you could choose one of Quansah, Konsa or Koundé, who would you bring to Arsenal? And how important is it that the club gets another defender signed before the window closes? Let us know in the comments.
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