Arsenal hold a tentative interest in signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Premier League holders are exploring potential squad upgrades ahead of next season and have already been linked with a move for Villa forward Morgan Rogers.
Unai Emery’s side have set a staggering £130m price tag for the versatile attacker, and it appears the Gunners are now exploring a summer move for his teammate Konsa.
Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly driving the club’s pursuit of the English defender. Villa currently value him at £60m, which is more than Arsenal would be willing to pay.
Konsa is primarily a central defender but can also operate at right-back. He is viewed as an upgrade on Ben White, who is expected to leave the Gunners this summer.
Arsenal must not overpay for Konsa’s services
The 28-year-old has been a key player for the Villans over the last few seasons. He is currently starring at the World Cup for England, who face Mexico in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Arsenal’s interest in Konsa does not surprise us, given he is a strong ball-playing defender. He completed 95 percent of his passes in the Premier League last term, winning 67 percent of his duels.
Konsa made an average of three recoveries and four clearances and looked comfortable in possession. The former Brentford man lost possession on fewer than four occasions per appearance.
Konsa has barely played as a right-back in recent years, but could be converted into a successful one. Jurrien Timber and White were primarily central defenders before joining the Gunners.
In our view, the asking price could decide whether Arsenal pursue a deal. With Konsa set to turn 29 in October, the Gunners could be reluctant to pay more than £40m to prise him away.
The Telegraph claim that Villa don’t want to part ways with Rogers and may need player sales to stay within the financial rules and fund new signings during the ongoing transfer window.
Konsa has entered the last two years of his contract and could be viewed as a more sellable asset. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can convince Villa to lower their valuation for him.
Stats from Sofascore