LONDON: Rio Ferdinand says the signing of Ezri Konsa has reinforced his belief that Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League again this season.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defence this summer after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are expected to miss the start of the season due to injury.
The Gunners have identified Konsa as their top target and have now reportedly reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign the versatile defender for an initial fee of £51 million.
Konsa will undergo a medical in the coming days and becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer after Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.
Commenting on Konsa’s move to the defending champions, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “I think it’s a great signing. A player who is at the peak of his career, knows exactly who he is and what he is capable of.
“There’s nothing superfluous about him. He’s a solid Premier League defender, really good.
“Arsenal are progressing in talks with Konsa from Aston Villa for £51 million plus bonuses. I think it’s a very good deal in today’s market.
“Aged 28, at least four or five more years of really solid and reliable service, besides providing important protection in two positions, namely centre-back and right-back.
“You have Ben White who looks fit now, but has had injuries at right-back. Timbers are also struggling to maintain fitness levels, as are concerns about Saliba’s injury.
“He would be a very good support. Someone who can come in and play without any questions. His versatility at the highest level and his reliability at right-back and centre-back make this a very worthwhile purchase.”
Arsenal will begin their title defence tomorrow against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates.
The Gunners already gave an early warning with a stylish victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.
Ferdinand believes Konsa’s arrival, which is expected to be finalized soon, will only strengthen Arsenal’s position to successfully defend their title this season.
“If you get him, it reinforces the reason why I think Arsenal will win the league again because it’s a smart and very good signing,” Ferdinand said.
Ferdinand’s former England teammate Michael Owen also shared the view and believed Arsenal’s title this season was almost “certain”.
“Arsenal just need to stay at their current level and they will win the Premier League again.
“I don’t see any other team emerging from the challengers’ group and taking 85 points, while Arsenal are almost certainly capable of reaching that number again.
“They are a very consistent team with a very good goalkeeper and defence. I don’t see their performance dropping.
“They are expected to score a high number of points. Maybe not the number that Manchester City or Liverpool have achieved in the past, but I don’t see any team being able to match them.
“There are too many questions about other teams. There are questions everywhere this season with all the new managers except Arsenal.
“They will be consistent and accumulate around the mid to late 80s and I don’t think anyone can beat that number.
“I think there are more question marks about this season than ever before, which is why I believe Arsenal are almost certain to win the Premier League,” Owen said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.