Seven defenders on the books - why Arsenal still want Konsa
Many Arsenal supporters question whether Konsa will secure regular minutes once Saliba and Gabriel return to full fitness.
Arteta’s preferred back four of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori looks difficult to penetrate on paper.
However, the Gunners featured in 63 matches across all competitions while capturing the Premier League crown, advancing to the Champions League final, reaching the Carabao Cup final and slipping out of the FA Cup at the quarter‑final stage.
Injury problems plagued that run, and Arteta is intent on avoiding a repeat this season.
Following the Champions League final, Arteta was quick to insist that the squad must be “very ambitious, precise fast, and precise smart” to build on their league triumph.
Arsenal invested £250 million last summer, and the signing of Konsa would push this summer’s expenditure to £150 million.
Arteta boasts access to some of Europe’s finest defensive depth, with the squad valued at £1.19 billion according to Transfermarkt.
When asked about the optimal squad size, Arteta noted that several variables influence his thinking.
"It depends connected the quality and the past of those players," Arteta said.
"I deliberation determination is simply a batch of factors that count. Twenty 2 outfield players and 3 goalkeepers of what is enough, oregon possibly you cognize more.
"You request to recognize what happened successful the erstwhile season, the wounded grounds of those players, the versatility of definite players."
"But I'm definite we're going to deed the close fig to person a spot of some a batch of contention with the close level of practice successful the squad and everybody feeling important."