Seven defenders on the books - why Arsenal still want Konsa

Arsenal are not standing still as they look to defend their Premier League title.

The Gunners have spent more than £100m already, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle (£75m) and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis (£34m) during this transfer window.

And they are now set to bring in Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for around £51m.

It may seem strange that Arsenal - who have seven senior defenders - want to bring in another established centre-back, but there are reasons why Mikel Arteta has decided to go for the England international.

Last season, Arsenal 's extremely well drilled backline, aided by the effective partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, helped them win their first title in 22 years. They only conceded 27 league goals.

But half of their title-winning defence is not going to be fit for the first part of the season.

Saliba has been ruled out for an 'extended period' with a long-term back issue which he had been managing last season and which ended his World Cup with France early.

Jurrien Timber, Arsenal 's first-choice right-back, is also out for the opening weeks of the season with a groin problem that caused him to pull out of the Netherlands World Cup squad.