​Arsenal have once again been connected with a move for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, driven in part by concerns over William Saliba’s fitness. Saliba had to depart France’s World Cup semi-final with a back issue that has lingered in recent weeks, and it remains unclear whether a spell on the sidelines will be necessary as he undergoes assessment at 25 years old. In the meantime, Konsa has emerged as a potential option for the Gunners, with The Guardian reporting that Arsenal have expressed interest in the England defender.
Arsenal are also expected to submit an offer to sign Konsa’s club and international teammate Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old has long been a target for Arsenal, who are now reportedly preparing a bid to bring him in while his involvement at the World Cup winds down. On the transfer front, Cristos Tzolis’ move to the Emirates appears to be edging closer, with Arsenal having reached a deal to bring in the Club Brugge winger.
Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has once again reiterated his desire to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, a player Arsenal are also keen on pursuing. In other developments, Aston Villa are nearing the confirmation of Joao Gomes’s signing from Wolves for around £38 million. Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa have also agreed personal terms with AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupiñán.
Nottingham Forest, according to BBC Sport, are preparing a £45 million bid to sign Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall after an initial offer was rejected for the Sweden international, and they remain intent on adding another midfielder alongside Bergvall. Newcastle United are in talks over two goalkeepers—Brighton’s Carl Rushworth and Manchester City’s James Trafford, per The Daily Mail. And on the Merseyside front, Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to sign a new contract with Liverpool that will keep him at Anfield until 2031.