Arsenal face a new deadline if Ezri Konsa is to be signed in time to make his debut in the Premier League season opener against Coventry.
Standard Sport understands that the Gunners are closing in on the signing of the Aston Villa star after agreeing a deal worth £51million plus add-ons.
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Konsa is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, having already agreed terms on a contract with Arsenal and said his goodbyes to staff and team-mates at Villa.
Arsenal were keen to sign a new defender, who could play at both centre-back and right-back, this summer, following William Saliba's injury and fitness concerns over both Jurrien Timber and Ben White.
Konsa was identified as a priority target earlier in the window, while there was also interest in both Cristian Romero and Jarell Quansah, but progress in transfer talks with Villa was slow.
A breakthrough in talks happened this week, with Villa getting close to the £60m asking price set weeks ago, and the deal is close to being completed ahead of possible debut for Konsa on Friday night.
Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title at the Emirates Stadium, and Konsa could be involved.
However, there remains a race against time to get Konsa registered.
While the registration deadline ahead of a Premier League weekend is midday on a Friday, Arsenal playing that evening means Konsa must be registered by 12pm on Thursday.
Konsa is set to undergo a medical on Thursday, so the clock is ticking on a debut under the lights against Coventry.
