Arsenal are preparing to submit an offer to Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa, according to reports. The Premier League champions are seeking a new centre-back after it emerged that William Saliba had been playing with a fractured back during France's World Cup campaign. Saliba was forced off in the first half of France's semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday and is expected to miss the start of Arsenal's Premier League season, potentially requiring surgery.
Arsenal step up interest in Konsa
Arsenal's interest in Konsa was first reported earlier this month as a 'tentative interest', but the Daily Mail now reports that the Gunners are ready to open talks with Villa over a deal. Konsa is 'keeping an open mind on his future' and has not agreed a new contract with Villa, with his current deal expiring in two years. Villa are demanding a £60 million transfer fee for the 28-year-old, who has impressed for England during their World Cup campaign.
Watkins praises Konsa
Ollie Watkins, who plays alongside Konsa for both Villa and England, hailed him 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. ... Defensively, he hardly puts a foot wrong. I remember we played against Brazil and Vinicius Junior couldn’t get past him. He’s so solid. He can play right-back and obviously his main position is centre-back.'
