Arsenal closing in on deal for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.The Premier League champions are in the market for defensive reinforcement with both William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined with injuries.England international Konsa, 28, holds particular appeal given his ability to cover at both centre-back and right-back and has been high on Arsenal’s target list all summer.Work is now advancing with Aston Villa to finalise the move after dialogue at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap for the defender.Konsa returned to Villa for pre-season on Monday after being given extended time off following the World Cup.The Athletic reported on Friday Arsenal also held an interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as they consider their options at the back this