Arsenal must meet a new deadline if Ezri Konsa is to be signed in time to make his debut in the Premier League season opener against Coventry.
Standard Sport understands the Gunners are closing in on the Aston Villa star after agreeing a deal worth £51million plus add-ons. Konsa is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, having already agreed terms with Arsenal and said his goodbyes to staff and team-mates at Villa.
Arsenal wanted to sign a defender who can play at centre-back and right-back this summer, after William Saliba's injury and fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber and Ben White. Konsa became a priority target earlier in the window, and there was also interest in Cristian Romero and Jarell Quansah, but talks with Villa progressed slowly.
A breakthrough came this week, with Villa close to the £60m asking price set weeks ago. The deal is close to being completed ahead of a possible debut for Konsa on Friday night. Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title at the Emirates Stadium, and Konsa could be involved.
There is still a race against time to get Konsa registered. The registration deadline before a Premier League weekend is midday on Friday, but because Arsenal play that evening, Konsa must be registered by 12pm on Thursday. He is set for a medical on Thursday, so the clock is ticking on a debut under the lights against Coventry.
