Arsenal pushing on with deal to sign Villa's Konsa

What the report says

Arsenal are renewing efforts to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to BBC Sport Football. The report says the Gunners are now more optimistic that a deal for the England international can be reached, after earlier talks with Villa fell short and the club briefly considered other defensive targets. Villa have valued Konsa at about £60m, and Arsenal have not yet matched that figure.

Konsa, 28, joined Aston Villa in 2019 and has made 286 appearances for the club. He played 48 times last season in all competitions, scoring twice as Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League. The article also notes that he was part of England’s World Cup squad and had played every match in that tournament.

BBC Sport says Konsa has not featured in Villa’s pre-season, with manager Unai Emery explaining that several senior players were due to return after a period of rest. The piece places the transfer interest in the wider context of Villa’s busy summer, as the club balances squad changes with financial rules and prepares for the new season. For Arsenal, the move would add an experienced Premier League and international defender to their back line if an agreement is eventually reached.