Arsenal are stepping up their search for a new defender, with Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Marc Pubill emerging as three options as Mikel Arteta looks for cover on the right side of his defence.
The Gunners’ need has become increasingly pressing because of the fitness situations surrounding William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Saliba faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with the back injury suffered during the World Cup, while Timber is also still working his way back following a groin problem. The Guardian reported earlier this week that Arsenal had stepped up their search for defensive cover as a consequence.
Ideally, Arsenal appear to want a player capable of operating as a right-sided centre-back while also providing cover at right-back – versatility that would allow Arteta to protect himself against problems in both positions.
One of the leading options is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. Arsenal have already seen an approach rejected for the England international, with Villa reportedly valuing the 28-year-old at around £60million.
Konsa would arguably represent the safest option. He has extensive Premier League experience, is comfortable at centre-back and has played at right-back, meaning he could immediately slot into Arteta’s defensive structure. The obvious issue is price, particularly for a player who turns 29 soon.
That has contributed to Arsenal looking elsewhere, and talks have now opened with Bayer Leverkusen over Jarell Quansah.
The former Liverpool defender is a particularly interesting alternative. Still only 23, Quansah would offer Arsenal greater long-term upside and has already demonstrated his ability to play at Premier League and international level. Leverkusen are reportedly seeking around €50million (£43million), although Arsenal are understood to be reluctant to meet that valuation.
Quansah has predominantly operated centrally but can also fill in at right-back, making him a strong stylistic fit for the profile Arsenal appear to be targeting.
The third name to watch is Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill. The 23-year-old Spaniard initially established himself as a right-back but has increasingly demonstrated his ability centrally, giving him exactly the sort of positional flexibility Arteta values.
However, Pubill may be the most difficult of the three to extract from his current club. Reports in Spain suggest Atletico have made it clear they do not want to sell after his impressive development in Madrid.
That leaves Arsenal with a fascinating decision. Konsa provides proven Premier League quality and immediate reliability, Quansah offers an attractive balance between experience and potential, while Pubill may have the highest upside as a genuine hybrid right-back and centre-back.
What is becoming clearer is that Arsenal do not simply want another centre-half. They are looking for a defender capable of covering Saliba now while also strengthening the right side of the squad once Timber returns.
With the new season approaching and Saliba facing a significant absence, there is growing pressure to get the decision right – and quickly.
Keep up with the latest developments in our Arsenal transfer news section, or create your Arsenal XI to decide which defender you would add to Arteta’s squad.