Arsenal information: Mikel Arteta eyes ‘£73m Vinicius Jr different’ as switch ‘more and more nearer’
Arsenal are in the market for a new defender this summer and have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, while the Gunners are also keeping tabs on a £73m-rated Vinicius Jr alternative
Mikel Arteta has hinted at more signings
Arsenal are pushing forward in their chase for Ezri Konsa as they seek to bolster their backline. Mikel Arteta’s squad has undergone some alterations with a Premier League title defence looming.
The Gunners secured their first league crown in more than two decades last term and with the new season drawing near, pre-season is underway. In the transfer window, Arteta’s team fell short of landing their main target Vinicius Jr.
Arteta will turn his attention to alternative transfer targets as Daily Star Sport brings you the latest developments from the Emirates Stadium.
£73m Vini Jr alternative eyed
Pio Esposito could be an alternative for Vinicius Jr(Image: Inter via Getty Images)
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Having fallen short in their chase for Vini Jr, Arsenal could find themselves locked in battle with United for Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito. The Sun reports that the Gunners dispatched scouts to Inter’s pre-season derby clash with AC Milan to observe the 21-year-old.
It’s suggested that Arteta is seeking to strengthen his attacking options, which already boast Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, and the 6ft3in Esposito has captured his attention in recent months. United are also understood to hold an interest in the young forward.
However, Inter have publicly branded Esposito “untouchable” in an attempt to ward off interested European clubs. Yet it is understood that the Serie A outfit has discreetly set a £73m asking price for the player, should concrete bids start to emerge, reports Football London.
Aston Villa ‘increasingly concerned’ about transfer
Aston Villa are ‘increasingly concerned’ about losing Ezri Konsa(Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are said to be ‘resigned to losing’ Ezri Konsa as Arsenal submit their proposal for the seasoned defender. Arteta’s pursuit of the centre-half was intensified following William Saliba’s back injury at the World Cup.
The 28-year-old represents a key target for Arsenal, though their initial approach was thought to fall just above half of Villa’s £60m assessment. Nevertheless, The Mail claims that Villa are becoming “increasingly concerned” that Konsa could be heading through the exit door.
Konsa’s own colleagues are believed to be worried that he is planning a departure, with Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans having already departed the club. Liverpool are also wrestling with defensive issues of their own and could join the chase for Konsa.
