Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is in contact with the representatives of two Premier League centre-backs, including Tottenham man Cristian Romero, reports FootballTransfers.
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have been burdened by the injury sustained by William Saliba at the World Cup. The Frenchman was a key member of last season's title triumph and will be a big miss in the early part of the season.
While they have a number of versatile defenders who could take his position, the Gunners have mobilised to find an ideal replacement for Saliba in the short term.
Per a fresh report, sporting director Berta is in talks with the representatives of Romero and Aston Villa man Konsa.
The Villa centre-back has been linked for weeks, so there's no surprise there, but the pursuit of Spurs captain Romero is a shock.
With Arsenal keen to add another centre-back to the mix, both men have been earmarked as potential signings, and Romero is said to be open to heading to his current club's rivals.
He's expected to leave anyway, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid the clubs pushing hardest.
A potential transfer across north London could be scuppered, with Tottenham reluctant to strengthen their rivals, and would only consider the transfer if Romero tells them directly he wants to make it.
Konsa move looks unlikely
The report states that after an opening bid for Konsa was rejected by Villa, Arsenal are ready to return to the table with a fresh one.
It's not clear what value that would be, but it's been reported throughout the window that Villa want £60million and the Gunners aren't willing to pay that.
It's also been reported that Villa would be willing to sell goalkeeper Emi Martinez in order to keep Konsa. That sale would surely push the price of Konsa up as the Villans wouldn't need the cash.
In any case, Berta is said to be in strong contact with both Konsa and Romero's representatives, and while there are doubts about both transfers stemming from previous reports, Arsenal are looking to ramp up the pursuit of one centre-back.
