Rio Ferdinand: Konsa is a good problem for Arteta, Man Utd should have signed him

Rio Ferdinand wanted Manchester United to sign "top player" Konsa before his £55 million move to Arsenal.

Rio Ferdinand wanted Manchester United to sign "top player" Konsa before his £55 million move to Arsenal.

Konsa has made an excellent start at Arsenal after his high-profile summer transfer from Aston Villa.

With Saliba injured, the 29-year-old stepped straight into Arteta's lineup and has helped Arsenal win 13 of their 16 games so far this season.

Konsa was again outstanding in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, which gave the team their first victory at Anfield since 2012.

Ferdinand told his 18-year-old son Tate, a centre-back in Brighton & Hove Albion's academy, to watch Konsa play against Liverpool, and was full of praise for the England international.

The Manchester United legend even said he wished his former club had signed Konsa before he joined the reigning Premier League champions.

Ferdinand believes Saliba will return to the team immediately once fit. However, he also said Konsa is likely to go back to his familiar right-back position to compete with Timber for a starting spot.

Asked on his YouTube channel whether Konsa could displace Saliba in Arsenal's starting lineup, Ferdinand said: "I think Saliba is one of those players you just have to make room for in the team. He's that good, top-class."

"I told my son yesterday, 'Go and watch Konsa,' because everything he does is so efficient. It's a good problem for Arteta to have."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa plays right-back again when Saliba returns, because Konsa is a top player."

"He's a top, top player. I also think Manchester United should have signed him."

"He's giving Arteta big decisions to make and a real headache, because he's slotted in almost seamlessly and has put in some great performances."

"For Arsenal, it's been an incredible signing."

Arteta described his team's performance as "extraordinary" after Arsenal ended their long wait for a win at Anfield.

Arteta said: "Very happy, very proud, full of energy. What else can I say? It's a moment of pride for everyone connected with the club."

"We've waited 14 years for this moment, and we did it in very special circumstances. Four days ago, we lost to Fleetwood, a result that shouldn't have happened."

"Coming to Anfield, we had to make sure everyone believed in themselves, was ready, and knew how to handle a game with many difficult moments and some big chances. When the chances come, you have to be ready to take them."

"The players' performance was outstanding."