Arsenal accelerate £60m move for ‘fantastic’ Liverpool transfer target
Liverpool weren’t expected to add to their backline this summer under Andoni Iraola.
However, due to injuries, they took emergency action by signing Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.
The Uruguayan is expected to fill in at right back and in central defence, making him an intriguing option on a short-term deal.
However, before his arrival, Liverpool were heavily linked with a £60m move for Ezri Konsa.
And now, the BBC confirm that Arsenal are willing to press ahead with a move for the Aston Villa defender.
Arsenal ahead of Liverpool for Ezri Konsa
Konsa has been described as a fantastic player by Unai Emery, who will be absolutely gutted if he loses him at this stage of the summer transfer window amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
An excerpt from the aforementioned article reads: “Having successfully signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, Premier League champions Arsenal have turned their attention to defence and are accelerating their interest in Konsa, whose versatility is seen favourably at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have reignited their interest in Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa👀🤔
Arsenal first attempted to sign Konsa for £30m, but this did not materialise after Aston Villa valued him at £60m. pic.twitter.com/584qvqTHeP
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 12, 2026
“Arsenal accept they will need to significantly improve their original offer if they are to be successful in their efforts to land Konsa, but whether Villa are willing to let the defender leave for a fee under their valuation remains to be seen.”
What it means for Arsenal is besides the point, but for Liverpool, they won’t mind this too much.
Spending £60m on Konsa was a non-starter at Anfield, as good a player as he is. The Reds have Araujo for at least one season and could decide to keep him permanently if he returns to his best form.
If not, Liverpool will attack the market for a defender again next summer, and a familiar face in Jarell Quansah would be a massive talking point as they have a buyback clause.
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