Arsenal could be preparing an extraordinary double raid on Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen both ends of his squad.
The Gunners are reportedly ready to accelerate their pursuit of Morgan Rogers, while Villa defender Ezri Konsa has emerged as a potential target following the concerning injury news surrounding William Saliba.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rogers remains Arsenal’s leading attacking target, with talks already advanced on the player’s side. The pursuit is separate from the imminent £ 35 million arrival of Christos Tzolis, with Arsenal having always wanted to sign both players rather than viewing them as alternatives.
Villa are expected to demand a substantial fee for Rogers, although Arsenal will hope to negotiate a deal closer to £ 90 million. The 23-year-old would provide Arteta with a powerful and versatile option capable of playing from the left, centrally or as an attacking midfielder.
Arsenal’s interest in Konsa has developed amid fears that Saliba could be unavailable for the beginning of the season and potentially a large chunk of it. The French defender suffered a back injury while representing his country and may require surgery, leaving the Gunners facing the possibility of starting the campaign without one of their most important players.
Konsa would represent an experienced and reliable solution. The England international is comfortable at centre-back or right-back, already understands the demands of the Premier League and could compete with Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié once everyone is available.
A fee of approximately £40million has been suggested, potentially taking the total value of Arsenal’s proposed Villa raid to around £140million.
Convincing Villa to sell two key players in the same window would be extremely difficult. However, their own recruitment activity may fuel speculation. Villa have started working on the signing of another leading winger after deals involving Johan Manzambi and João Gomes, while they are also pursuing a new left-back.
Arsenal’s immediate priority appears to be Rogers, but Saliba’s injury has added an unexpected defensive requirement to Andrea Berta’s plans. If the Gunners can make progress on both deals, Villa Park could become the focus of the next phase of their summer business.
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Arsenal may be wiser to look abroad for a new centre back, with cheaper and younger options potentially available. Real Sociedad could again become a hunting ground with young central defender Jon Martin liked by the club. Arsenal and Sociedad have great relations having worked on several deals previously including Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal.