Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The England international has been high on Arsenal’s centre-back target list throughout the summer, with the Gunners now working with Villa to finalise an agreement for the 28-year-old.
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal closing in on deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. 28yo defender high on #AFC target list all summer & work now advancing with #AVFC to finalise after dialogue at ownership level to reduce valuation gap for England intl @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ObmcU2Uq7T
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 19, 2026
David Ornstein reports that talks are advancing after discussions at ownership level were held in an attempt to reduce the valuation gap between the two clubs.
Konsa has emerged as one of Arsenal’s leading targets as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season.
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The Gunners have been searching for another centre-back throughout the summer, with William Saliba facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a back injury during the World Cup.
Jurrien Timber has also been managing his own fitness issues, leaving Arsenal with a need for greater depth in the position despite the arrival of Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.
Konsa’s versatility is another factor behind Arsenal’s interest. The 28-year-old is capable of operating at centre-back and right-back, offering Arteta another option across the defensive line.
The defender has established himself as an important player for both Aston Villa and England, and his performances at the World Cup have further strengthened his reputation.
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🚨BREAKING: Arsenal closing in on deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
[@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/jKHwL1bQx3
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 19, 2026
Arsenal’s pursuit of Konsa has been ongoing for several weeks, with previous reports suggesting that there was a significant difference between the two clubs’ valuations.
talkSPORT previously reported that Arsenal had made a verbal offer in the region of £35million, which was dismissed by Villa, who were understood to be seeking considerably more for their defender.
Those negotiations have now progressed, with David Ornstein reporting that discussions are taking place with the aim of reducing the valuation gap.
The latest development represents a significant step forward for Arsenal, who are now described as closing in on a deal rather than simply monitoring the situation.
However, an agreement still needs to be finalised between the clubs before Konsa can complete a move to north London.
Arsenal’s priority is now to conclude negotiations with Villa and secure the England international, who could provide valuable experience and defensive versatility to Arteta’s squad.
With the new Premier League season approaching, the Gunners will be hoping the latest talks lead to a breakthrough and Konsa becomes their latest defensive addition.