Arsenal are reportedly preparing a summer bid for Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa.
Ezri Konsa prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England.
Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.(Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa are braced for an Arsenal move for Ezri Konsa this summer. But Villa could prevent the transfer, by offering him a new deal.
Konsa is currently in America as he prepares for England's World Cup third-place play-off against France, following the disappointment of the semi-final defeat against Argentina. He has been a standout performer for Villa, leading to him being a regular for the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel.
The 28-year-old has been with Villa since joining from Brentford in 2019. He has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park, with the club looking to ward off interest.
The Daily Mail has suggested that Arsenal are preparing to table an offer to the Europa League champions in an attempt to secure Konsa's signature this summer. Nevertheless, the report indicates that Arsenal and Villa's valuations of the England international are significantly apart, and the defender could still pen a new contract to stay at Villa Park.
Konsa's existing deal with Villa runs until 2028 and the centre-half was instrumental in helping the club lift the Europa League trophy last season, as well as securing fourth place in the Premier League to earn Champions League qualification.
The speculation surrounding a possible transfer for Konsa follows news that Arsenal defender William Saliba has suffered a significant injury setback during the World Cup. Saliba was taken off during France's semi-final loss to Spain due to a back injury, with reports indicating that the 25-year-old may be sidelined for several months - and could require surgery.
Ezri Konsa dejected following the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match at the Atlanta Stadium.
Ezri Konsa suffered disappointment with England at the World Cup semi-final.(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.)
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The speculation also comes amid Arsenal interest in Villa's Morgan Rogers. Reports suggest that the Gunners are ready to step up their interest in the attacking midfielder following England's exit from the World Cup.
Unai Emery was questioned about Konsa's future last season, when he was pressed on the possibility of the England international agreeing a new deal.
"I don't know. I don't know exactly when his contract ends. You know better than me when is ending his contract," Emery said last November when asked if Villa were looking to agree a new contract with Konsa.
"2028? You are his agent! The other players [who signed up], they were finishing sooner.
"2028? That's so long."
Konsa has played a total of 286 times for Villa, scoring 12 goals. Last season saw him make 48 appearances in all competitions, occasionally wearing the captain's armband.
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