Arsenal have already made an offer for the international, with their proposal understood to have been worth well under the club’s valuation.
Arsenal’s £35m offer for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has reportedly been dismissed ‘out of hand’, with the Gunners now facing a major decision over whether to return with a significantly improved bid.
Konsa has emerged as Arsenal’s leading centre-back target as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options before the summer transfer window closes.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have already made a verbal offer for the England international, with their proposal understood to have been worth around £35million.
That figure was immediately rejected by Aston Villa, who value Konsa considerably higher.
talkSPORT report that Villa are looking for around £60m-£65m for the 28-year-old, with the club potentially demanding even more in the current transfer market.
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Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor described Arsenal’s valuation as a “disgrace of an offer”, arguing that Konsa’s performances for both club and country warrant a considerably higher fee.
“If he had a year left, I’d get it, but not with two years left,” Agbonlahor said.
The defender still has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract, strengthening the club’s position in negotiations.
Konsa has also enjoyed a hugely impressive period, making 286 appearances for Villa and helping the club win the Europa League last season. His performances at the World Cup have further increased his profile and attracted Arsenal’s attention.
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Villa are understood to have little desire to sell, meaning Arsenal would need to significantly increase their offer if they are to have a realistic chance of completing a deal.
talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs revealed that the two clubs are now effectively returning to the negotiating table after the huge difference in their respective valuations.
“Arsenal are now coming back off the back of those talks, off the back of that gulf in valuation, and they have to decide whether they’re going to significantly improve their offer,” Jacobs said.
“If they do, I think there’s a fair chance it might happen.”
Arsenal’s need for another centre-back has increased following William Saliba’s injury, while Jurrien Timber is also working his way back to full fitness.
The Gunners have considered alternatives, including Como defender Jacobo Ramón, but Arsenal are determined to add another centre-back before the September 1 deadline.
The decision now facing Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy is whether Konsa is worth paying a potentially £60m-£65m fee for, after their opening proposal fell dramatically short of Villa’s valuation.
With the transfer window approaching its final weeks, Arsenal must decide whether to walk away or return with a much bigger offer for the England international.