Ezri Konsa's heroic performance against Mexico will only boost Arsenal's interest in him, but Chelsea is where he'd fit in best.
That is the view of talkSPORT's Alex Crook, who heaped praise on the Gunners' transfer target after he played a huge role in England's thrilling 3-2 World Cup win at the Azteca Stadium.
Ezri Konsa in action for England during World Cup match against DR Congo
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Ezri Konsa has played every minute of England's World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
Game for the ages
The Three Lions enjoyed a famous victory in the early hours of Monday morning, as they booked their spot in the quarter-finals by beating the tournament co-hosts at their iconic Mexico City home.
Harry Kane's 60th-minute penalty and a double from Jude Bellingham sent Thomas Tuchel's side through.
After Jarell Quansah was shown a red card early in the second-half, England defended for their lives to see out the win against all odds.
At the heart of this was Konsa, who filled in at right-back following the dismissal and starred in a Three Lions backline that refused to let anything past them in a tense final 30 minutes.
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The Aston Villa defender's numbers highlight his importance - recording the most defensive contributions of any England player (eight) and winning all three of his ground duels to earn a 8/10 rating from talkSPORT's Adrian Durham.
His display came just days after it was revealed that Arsenal were keeping tabs on him ahead of a potential summer swoop.
It was reported that the Premier League champions hold 'tentative' interest in Konsa, who is valued in the region of £60million by Villa.
'Absolutely terrific'
Following England's memorable victory over Mexico, talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook waxed lyrical about Konsa, praising his display first at centre-back and later right-back.
Crook said: “I want to spread some love for Ezri Konsa, who I thought was absolutely terrific at the heart of England's defence initially.
“Then he was forced to shift across to right-back after the somewhat unfortunate dismissal, in my opinion, of Jarell Quansah.
Ezri Konsa after England's win over Mexico
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Konsa left everything out on the pitch in an England performance for the agesCredit: Getty
Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham against Mexico
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The versatile defender's display didn't go unnoticed by his teammatesCredit: Getty
“I thought that red card was harsh. Then he went to right wing-back when Thomas Tuchel went all defensive just to try and see out the victory."
Blue is the colour?
While Crook insisted isn't surprised Konsa is a target of England's top club, he believes he would fit in best at another London side.
Arsenal's interest in the 28-year-old is claimed to be driven by boss Mikel Arteta, who appreciates his versatility in being able to operate as a right-back making him an attractive option.
This makes him similar in profile to Jurrien Timber and Ben White, with the latter facing an uncertain future at the Emirates.
Crook continued: “No surprise when you watch that performance that Arsenal have made an inquiry for the Aston Villa defender.
“I think it would take a big money offer to prise him away from Villa Park but he'd be right at home with the Premier League champions.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gives instructions during a match against Manchester City
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Could Xabi Alonso make Konsa a statement signing for Chelsea?Credit: Getty
Ezri Konsa celebrates with the Europa League trophy
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The Villa defender has two years left on his contract, and is claimed to be on Arsenal's radarCredit: Getty
“If I were Chelsea looking for some experience at the heart of their defence, I think Konsa on that performance should be right at the top of their list.”
Konsa certainly fits into Chelsea's transfer strategy, who are looking to rebuild their defensive line under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues finished a disappointing 10th last season, conceding 52 goals, and have made Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix one of their targets at centre-back.
talkSPORT understands Chelsea are willing to offer several fringe players to Palace in exchange for Lacroix, including Trevoh Chalobah.
Like Konsa, Chalobah is currently away on England duty at the World Cup, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashiele could also be thrown in to help sweeten the deal.
But should Chelsea turn their attention to Konsa instead, he would certainly provide the defensive stability they have been lacking.
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Ezri Konsa's Premier League stats in the 2025/26 stats
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Konsa started 34 Premier League games for Villa in the 2025/26 season
In the last four seasons, he has missed just 11 top-flight fixtures - helping Aston Villa to two fourth-placed finishes in the last three years.
He featured in 48 games across all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign - proving key in Villa ending their 30-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.