Arsenal have held talks with with the representatives of Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero and Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are assessing centre-back options with William Saliba sidelined for an extended period. Arsenal have contacted Konsa’s camp and Romero’s representatives to determine whether deals can be done.
According to FootballTransfers, Romero is ‘open’ to a controversial move across North London, though Spurs have no intention of negotiating with their fierce rivals. Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid are also keen on Romero, who is valued at around €40m by Spurs.
A deal for Konsa would be more straightforward, even if Aston Villa’s need to sell has been reduced by the departures of Donyell Malen, Morgan Rogers, and Youri Tielemans for a combined fee in excess of £170m.
Aston Villa value Konsa at around £60m, with the England international a player Arsenal have tracked for some time.
Arsenal have not reached an agreement with either player but discussions are stepping up ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The champions lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday and Arteta wants to reinforce his depleted defensive options with a new signing.
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