Arsenal target Stones and Konsa amid slow transfer window start
Premier League champions Arsenal have signed winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge but are navigating a slow start to their summer transfer window following May’s Champions League final defeat.
Mikel Arteta previously urged his side to be ambitious, fast and smart in the market after losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, marquee additions have proven slow to materialise for the Gunners.
The north London club have secured the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen and added free-agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier to their ranks.
Search for defensive reinforcements
The Premier League title holders are now exploring deals for England internationals John Stones and Ezri Konsa.
These targets emerged after the club missed out on securing the signature of highly-rated midfielder Morgan Rogers.
Adding defensive depth is crucial for the Spanish manager following an exhausting 63-game campaign that culminated in European heartbreak.
World Cup hangover fears
Arsenal sent 13 squad members to the 2026 World Cup, trailing only Manchester City among English top-flight clubs.
Eight of those representatives, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, reached the semi-final stage of the demanding North American tournament.
Both English stars battled fitness issues while playing at high altitudes and in severe humidity.
Meanwhile, William Saliba is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a back injury during France’s semi-final clash against Spain.
Pre-season preparations
FIFA regulations mandate a three-week break for players involved in the latter stages of the international competition.
This enforced rest period will result in a severely staggered pre-season training schedule for the reigning champions.
“A lot of players will be coming in at different points in different weeks, but you’d like to think that the majority, if not all, will be back by the time they play Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16.” Sam Blitz