Aston Villa are bracing for a summer move from Arsenal for England defender Ezri Konsa, but the club is reportedly ready to offer the 28-year-old a new contract to fend off interest.
Arsenal Preparing Bid for Konsa
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are preparing to table an offer for Konsa, who has been a standout performer for Villa and earned regular England call-ups under Thomas Tuchel. However, the report indicates that the two clubs' valuations of the player are significantly apart, potentially complicating any deal.
Konsa has two years remaining on his current contract, which runs until 2028. He was instrumental in Villa's Europa League triumph last season and helped secure a fourth-place Premier League finish, earning Champions League qualification.
Villa's Contract Strategy
Villa are keen to ward off interest by offering Konsa an improved deal. Manager Unai Emery was questioned about Konsa's future last November. When asked if the club was looking to agree a new contract, Emery replied: "I don't know. I don't know exactly when his contract ends. You know better than me when is ending his contract. 2028? You are his agent! The other players [who signed up], they were finishing sooner. 2028? That's so long."
Konsa joined Villa from Brentford in 2019 and has made 286 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals. Last season, he featured 48 times in all competitions, occasionally wearing the captain's armband.
Injury Setback for Arsenal's Saliba
The speculation surrounding Konsa comes amid news that Arsenal defender William Saliba suffered a significant back injury during the World Cup. Saliba was substituted in France's semi-final loss to Spain and may be sidelined for several months, potentially requiring surgery.
Arsenal have also been linked with Villa's Morgan Rogers, with reports suggesting the Gunners are ready to step up their interest in the attacking midfielder following England's World Cup exit.
