Liverpool need to sign a centre-back this summer to replace Ibrahima Konate after he left to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, with multiple reports now claiming that the Reds are considering Ezri Konsa.
The 28-year-old has been described as “excellent” by Troy Deeney after his wonderful performances for Aston Villa last season, and he could now be on the move this summer.
While his age and price tag make this a difficult move to support, there is no denying that Konsa is a fantastic defender.
He has often been one to thwart Liverpool in games against Villa, but he isn’t the best you could buy with £60m.
Liverpool competing with Arsenal for Ezri Konsa signing with Gunners unprepared to meet £60m price tag
The Guardian reports that Arsenal are considering signing Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa after his starring role at the World Cup with England this summer, and that the Gunners are facing competition from Liverpool if the Reds’ interest develops, but it will cost in the region of £60m to make this deal happen.
The report states: “Arsenal are now expected to step up their attempts to sign a defender and another forward before the end of the transfer window. They could face competition from Liverpool in their attempts to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa due to concerns over William Saliba’s back issues that will see him miss an extended period.
“It is thought that Villa want £60m for the England defender but Arsenal are unwilling to pay that much for a player who has less than two years of his contract remaining.”
Ben Jacobs reports on X that Villa think Liverpool will submit a bid this window.
Confirmation from @JacobsBen: Liverpool like Konsa & made an enquiry before the window even opened, nothing active until price drops.
Konsa would be a fine addition to Andoni Iraola’s squad this summer
The 28-year-old played eight games at the World Cup for England, and was largely fantastic. Much like the rest of the Three Lions squad, he was found lacking in composure in the semi-final defeat to Argentina, when a Lionel Messi-led side turned the screw in the final moments of the tie. Konsa only played the last 20 minutes or so, but that’s exactly when England needed someone to put their foot on the ball and be brave.
That said, Konsa has all the tools to be a fantastic signing for Liverpool this summer, and is well-suited to the front-footed nature of Iraola’s system.
His age means that there will be little to no resale value in five or six years when his hypothetical Liverpool contract would expire, but that shouldn’t be a reason for why the Reds to ignore signing him.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are not willing to spend £60m on him sso it will be curious to see if Aston Villa budge on their valuation, but another recent report states that Liverpool will not be signing a defender until later this month, so that could leave room for Arsenal or another team to swoop in first.