Seven defenders on the books - why Arsenal still want Konsa

Arsenal's formidable defense, which conceded only 27 league goals last season and helped secure the title, is facing significant disruption early in the new season. Key center-back William Saliba is out for an extended period with a chronic back issue, while first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber will miss the opening weeks due to a groin problem.

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Half of their title-winning defence is not going to be fit for the first part of the season.

This situation leaves manager Mikel Arteta with limited options. Ben White, who has had his own fitness concerns, is the sole fit right-back. At right-sided center-back, 21-year-old Cristhian Mosquera is the only available player to partner Gabriel Magalhaes, a scenario that could be problematic if White also faces injury.

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Saliba has been ruled out for an 'extended period' with a long-term back issue which he had been managing last season and which ended his World Cup with France early.

Arteta's preference for not fielding two left-footed center-backs further complicates matters, especially with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, both left-sided defenders, potentially being utilized. Highly-rated academy defender Marli Salmon is also on the books but is expected to see limited senior action.

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Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's first-choice right-back, is also out for the opening weeks of the season with a groin problem that caused him to pull out of the Netherlands World Cup squad.

Amidst these defensive concerns, Arsenal had reportedly considered signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The 28-year-old England international is praised for his strong Premier League statistics, including the best ground duel success rate (73.1%) and passing accuracy (95%) among defenders last season. His experience and leadership, highlighted by lifting the Europa League with Villa, made him a target, though many fans question his regular playing time given the established partnership of Saliba and Gabriel.

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Arteta does not seem to like fielding two left-footed players at centre-back.