Arsenal are exploring a potential summer move for Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, according to reports, as the Premier League champions continue their search for defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal's interest in Konsa
The Gunners have already targeted a deal for Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, though the Midlands club are demanding a £130 million transfer fee for the England international. Konsa, meanwhile, has emerged as a secondary target, with The Telegraph reporting that Arsenal hold a 'tentative interest' in the 28-year-old. However, no formal offer has been submitted to Villa.
Mikel Arteta is said to be driving Arsenal's interest in Konsa, who has started every game for England at the World Cup this summer. The centre-back joined Villa from Brentford in a £12m deal seven years ago and has since become a key figure under Unai Emery.
Villa's valuation and contract situation
Villa would demand a £60m fee for Konsa, who has two years remaining on his contract. According to the report, Arsenal view that valuation as too high, potentially complicating any deal. The club's financial approach this summer may hinge on outgoings, with the Gunners already confirming a £22m transfer exit.
Ollie Watkins hails Konsa as 'underrated'
Speaking earlier this week, Villa and England teammate Ollie Watkins praised Konsa as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. 'I think Ezri is just so underrated,' Watkins told talkSPORT. 'It's mad how under the radar he goes and for so many years he has been. I think he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. People don't look at that straight away.'
Watkins highlighted Konsa's defensive solidity, recalling a match against Brazil where Vinicius Junior 'couldn't get past' him. 'He can play right-back and obviously his main position is centre-back. But if he does play there, I'm fully confident he can bring more than a job. He can go and really excel there and make it really tough for top-class wingers to get past him,' Watkins added.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans
Arsenal's interest in Konsa comes amid a busy summer window. The club have opened talks to sign a World Cup star and confirmed a £22m transfer exit. Meanwhile, Manchester City have begun talks to sign a £51m midfielder after approaches from Manchester United and Chelsea, and Xabi Alonso has been urged to sign a £60m former Chelsea star after a Manchester United approach.
Konsa's versatility—able to play both centre-back and right-back—could appeal to Arteta, who values defensive flexibility. However, with Villa's high asking price and Arsenal's need to balance the books, a move for the England international remains uncertain at this stage.
