Arsenal recently watches Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, monitoring the central stalwart.
They became interested after his two goals for England in the World Cup semi final in Miami, crucially finding the net, and sparking a pursuit frenzy.
England narrowly won 2-1, ending the match with early strikes.
That remarkable moment made Konsa the first Charlton Athletic trainee to score at a World Cup, cementing his status on the global stage.
Arsenal keenly wants him, while Villa resolutely refuses to sell for less than £60 million, upholding a high price barrier.