panama v england group l fifa world cup 2026 1
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Ezri Konsa #2 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Aston Villa are expected to turn down an Arsenal offer of £40m for Ezri Konsa, but the player is believed to be open to the move, according to a report.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Tom Collomosse reports for the Daily Mail that Aston Villa are expected to reject a £40m Arsenal proposal for Ezri Konsa, but Collomosse adds that the defender is thought to be open to the move.
Sami Mokbel had reported for the BBC on Wednesday that Arsenal were reigniting their interest in Konsa, who is still on holiday following the World Cup.
The Gunners were initially willing to pay around £30m for Konsa earlier in the summer, but that initial pursuit of the player didn’t really go anywhere, with Villa wanting £60m.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 01: Ezri Konsa #2 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 01: Ezri Konsa #2 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Mokbel reported on Wednesday that Arsenal have since accepted they will need to significantly improve their original offer, though the suggestion is that Villa would still need to lower their valuation for the transfer to be possible.
Based on the Daily Mail’s report, it seems Arsenal have now upped their bid to £40m, only to see it turned down once again.
Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris was reportedly upset by Arsenal’s initial ~£30m proposals, and it’s not clear whether upping the offer by around £10m has changed that. But it’s evidently still not at the level the Midlands club will accept.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa looks to control the ball during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa looks to control the ball during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal are in the market for a central defender in the absence of William Saliba, who is currently injured. Konsa has been reported as the club’s top defensive target, though they’ll obviously have a limit on how much they’re willing to pay for him.
28-year-old Konsa is a homegrown England international, which adds to the appeal of signing him. He has a contract until 2028, so this would be a good time for Villa to cash in if they get a bid they’re happy with.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Basel 1893 and Aston Villa FC at St. Jakob-Park on December 11, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Basel 1893 and Aston Villa FC at St. Jakob-Park on December 11, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Aston Villa set to reject new £40m Arsenal bidAston Villa are expected to turn down an Arsenal offer of £40m for Ezri Konsa, but the player is believed to be open to the move, according to a report.
Galatasaray make £38.5m bid for Arsenal playerGalatasaray have submitted an official €45m bid for Gabriel Martinelli, though the player isn’t pushing to leave Arsenal at this stage.
Which Arsenal players could be called up for the u-20 Women’s World Cup?Which Arsenal youngsters could play at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup? England selection, injury updates and club release decisions all matter.
Arsenal make decision on Salmon loan