Arsenal’s record appearance maker David O’Leary has claimed Mikel Arteta will not include summer signing Ezri Konsa in the starting line-up to face Aston Villa on Monday.
The Gunners return to Premier League action with a trip to Villa Park, which wraps up gameweek three. Arsenal could go to the top of the table, if they manage to win the game by keeping a clean sheet, while also scoring two or more goals in the contest.
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Arsenal will feel confident of doing the same, especially since they have the meanest defence in the Premier League. The reigning Premier League champions’ rearguard has been further strengthened by the arrival of Konsa.
The England international joined Arsenal in a deal worth £55 million after the north London club launched a move for him amid injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Konsa could be in line to make his debut for the Gunners against his former club Aston Villa.
However, O’Leary is of the opinion that Konsa will not be part of the starting line-up to face Villa on Monday night. The Arsenal legend, who also coached Villa during his time as a manager, admitted that he is a fan of Konsa despite not backing his inclusion in the line-up.
According to O’Leary, Arteta is unlikely to make changes to the team that looked very convincing in their win over Coventry City in their opening game. He told talkSPORT:
“I am a fan. I think he was on their list for quite a while and it’s another great signing to add to a great squad.
“Do I see him starting tonight? I don’t think so the defence, the way it has been playing I don’t see Mikel changing that.
“Does he want to put him in? Yes he could probably handle playing against his old club but Mikel won’t want to put that pressure on him. I’d be very surprised if he starts.”
Konsa has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract at the Emirates with the option to extend the deal for another year.
Arsenal trio closing in on exit ahead of transfer deadline day: Reports
Ahead of the summer transfer deadline on Tuesday, three Arsenal players are heading towards the exit door at the Emirates. Brazilian duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus look set to join Al-Hilal and Barcelona, respectively.
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are finalising a £60 million deal to sign Martinelli, as per The Athletic. Meanwhile, Barcelona have reportedly reached a surprise agreement to sign Jesus in an £8.6 million deal.
Fabio Vieira is the third player set to leave the Premier League giants. According to Florian Plettenberg, Hamburg are ready to sign the player on a permanent deal after he spent last season on loan with them.
Edited by Nived Zenith
