'Absolute steal' - Rio Ferdinand amazed by Arsenal transfer that has 'come out of nowhere'
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal appear to be taking the summer transfer window seriously after winning the 2025-26 Premier League title.
The Gunners have already splashed a combined £109million on Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, with Illan Meslier arriving as a free agent.
Signing Newcastle United's talented midfielder was always the priority for the North London club, but Arteta is not done there, clearly.
Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both been tipped to secure exits, though time is running out for players to secure a move away.
Football Insider understands that Victor Osimhen is keen to join after Arsenal explored conditions of a possible transfer, but defence appears to be the priority.
With Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both sidelined ahead of the season opener, Ezri Konsa now looks set to join from Aston Villa in a £51million deal.
Ezri Konsa to Arsenal is a 'magnificent signing'
This has come as yet another hammer blow for Unai Emery's side, but a huge signing for Arteta and the reigning Premier League champions.
Speaking via his channel on YouTube, Rio Ferdinand said: "This is another one that's come out of nowhere: Aston Villa getting hurt again.
"One of their biggest and most consistent players, an England international, Ezri Konsa is joining Arsenal. I think it's a magnificent signing.
"He's a solid, really, really good Premier League defender. David Ornstein, a friend of the channel, is saying £51m plus add-ons...
"I think that's an absolute steal in today's market. He's 28 years old, so a minimum of four or five years of really solid, dependable service.
"He provides vital cover in two areas, centre-back and right-back."
Who could leave Arsenal before the window shuts?
Football Insider revealed earlier in the month that a deal for Konsa was "99 per cent done," and supporters are just awaiting an official announcement.
With an injury-plagued set of defenders, Konsa is likely to be an even more important signing that Guimaraes, who has slotted straight into midfield.
That could certainly pave the way for Lewis-Skelly to leave, though he has been starring in pre-season ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Of everyone in the squad, the most likely exit appears to be Ethan Nwaneri, with the Gunners open to a loan move before the window shuts.
Some supporters are keen on a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres too hot-and-cold during his first campaign in England, but that looks unlikely.