Why Arsenal want to sign a bigger English talent than than Konsa & Quansah

Arsenal have completed some good business ahead of the new season, with Bruno Guimaraes undoubtedly the hallmark of a summer transfer window that should cement a title defence over the coming year.

Mikel Arteta has worked wonders at the Emirates helm, transforming Arsenal from something of a laughing stock into the most dominant team in English football. The Premier League champions might’ve won the Champions League last season too, losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

With the Community Shield right ahead of us, Arteta has spoken of the hunger in his belly to avenge that failed swipe at immortality, but there’s no question that further signings are needed if they are going to have more than a swinging chance of achieving that.

Fans are hankering for attacking additions, but William Saliba‘s expected long-term layoff after shoulder surgery demands the recruitment of one or two new defenders.

How Arsenal plan to replace William Saliba

Saliba is the bedrock of Arsenal’s defensive system. This is the linchpin of the Premier League’s finest backline, and he is widely considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the world.

He will be sorely missed over the months ahead. A definite timeframe has not been established, but it’s clear the France international will miss the start of the campaign, returning toward the end of September, or maybe into October.

There is no one else quite like him. Gabriel Magalhaes is his first-class partner, but Arteta will now need to consider the likes of Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera as stand-ins, should he fail to bring over a defensive target before the end of the transfer window.

Plans have been drawn. Arsenal are hoping to act on their long-standing interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, though it’s unlikely they would be willing to meet Unai Emery’s side’s £60m valuation.

A more ambitious move would be to push for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah. The Three Lions star, 23 years old, boasts stylistic similarities to Saliba, and he could be a fantastic addition to deepen Arsenal’s English connection.

REUTERS/Paul Childs

However, it’s not only defence on Arteta’s mind. Arsenal are always ready to pounce on a shrewd signing, and they could sign a bigger English talent than the aforementioned before the window wraps up.

How Arsenal can sign bigger English talent than Konsa & Quansah

Konsa and Quansah are talented defenders, but they are not the finest players England have to offer. And given the staggering sums bandied about when Arsenal’s interest has been discussed, you have to wonder whether either would be the most prudent move.

According to reports relayed by BBC Sport, Arsenal have emerged as the leading contender in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, with the 21-year-old being considered by Manchester United.

The Gunners have open talks with the player’s representatives, while an ‘official ‘bid’ is said to be in the works.

Hinshelwood rose from the youth scene as a centre-midfielder. His composed, precise passing and defensive attitude might have attracted Arsenal’s interest regardless, but he has emerged as a remarkably dynamic tactical piece over the past few seasons, filling in across defensive areas and even playing as a No. 10, opening up his creativity.

Hinshelwood’s potenial is boundless. Dubbed a “superstar” by content creator Ryan Adsett, it’s important to stress that Hinshelwood is still a work in progress, but already catching the eye through the standard of his Jack-of-all-trades performances in the Premier League.

You have to question whether Konsa or Quansah would stand a real chance of cementing a starting berth in the Premier League for Arteta’s Arsenal. Both might prove shrewd short-term Saliba replacements, but Hinshelwood’s versatility could see him become an indispensable part of the project for many years to come.

After all, he has started 42 Premier League fixtures over the past two years, and as he continues to develop, could grow, organically, into a rare and unique profile to support Arsenal’s title-challenging ambitions for many years to come.

Hinshelwood’s name might not be known to the wider footballing world right now, but he is showing immense potential for the Seagulls, and after breaking up to the surface at the AMEX over the past couple of years, could see his stock rise higher still with a move to Arsenal.

His versatility and confidence across any number of roles makes him a unique option who could grow into a mainstay under Arteta’s wing. He could end up outstripping the likes of Konsa and Quansah and becoming the Gunners’ retrospective star summer signing.