Arsenal have expressed strong interest in signing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta identified as the key proponent of the move. The 28-year-old has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League and recently featured in every minute of England’s group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Konsa has been linked with a departure from Villa Park in previous transfer windows, but the possibility of a move now appears more concrete. According to reports in The Telegraph, Arteta views Konsa as a crucial addition to his squad as he aims to build a team capable of competing for the Champions League title. The defender’s versatility, being able to play both centre-back and right-back, is also seen as a valuable asset.
Aston Villa are reportedly seeking a fee of around €70 million (£60m) for Konsa, who has two years remaining on his current contract. This valuation is currently higher than Arsenal’s willingness to pay, potentially creating a negotiation hurdle. Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019 and has since made 286 appearances for the club, playing a significant role in their recent Europa League triumph.
Arsenal may view Konsa as a direct replacement for Ben White, with the 28-year-old widely expected to leave the Emirates Stadium during the current transfer window. The Gunners are also pursuing Konsa’s Aston Villa teammate, Morgan Rogers, with reports suggesting a potential blockbuster deal for the England attacker. However, Villa are reportedly holding firm and may demand a fee of €150m for Rogers, making the deal considerably more challenging to complete. The Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) for Konsa currently stands at €44.1m.
Securing Konsa would bolster Arsenal’s defensive options and provide Arteta with a reliable and experienced player. His arrival could also allow the club to move on from players deemed surplus to requirements, reshaping the squad for a renewed push for domestic and European success.
