Not Vini! Arsenal reopen talks as Mikel Arteta pushes for his No. 1 target

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Mikel Arteta perhaps isn’t chasing Vinicius Jr, but he truly is looking to sign one player for Arsenal this window.

Arsenal have reopened talks over a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as Arteta continues to push for his preferred defensive target.

The Gunners have held fresh discussions in recent days and are reportedly willing to improve on their initial offer of around £30 million for the England international.

Aston Villa, however, are holding out for £60m and have shown little interest in lowering their asking price. Konsa, 28, remains on holiday after the World Cup.

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Arsenal return for Ezri Konsa as Arteta looks to strengthen defence​

According to the BBC, Arsenal have returned to the negotiating table after making Konsa their main defensive target.

Arteta is believed to value the defender’s versatility, with Konsa capable of operating in more than one position across the backline.

Arsenal’s renewed interest comes after the club completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, allowing their attention to turn towards strengthening the defence.

Konsa has been a key figure for Aston Villa and enjoyed a busy campaign last season, making 48 appearances across all competitions.

He also helped Villa win the Europa League, further underlining why the Premier League side are reluctant to part with him.

For Arsenal, though, the price remains the biggest obstacle.

Their initial offer of approximately £30m falls well short of Villa’s £60m valuation, leaving plenty of work to do if Arteta is to get his preferred target.

The Gunners have also explored alternatives.

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Multiple sources told BBC Sport that Arsenal held discussions with Tottenham over Cristian Romero, although that option disappeared after the Spurs captain agreed a move to Atletico Madrid.

That leaves Konsa as an increasingly important target for Arsenal as they look to add defensive depth before the new season.

The timing is also significant, with Arsenal facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16 before their Premier League campaign gets underway.

Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for their own friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 15.

For now, the two clubs remain some distance apart on Konsa’s valuation.

Arsenal have shown they are prepared to negotiate, but Villa’s £60m demand means Arteta may need the club to make a sizeable offer if they want to bring his No. 1 defensive target to north London.

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