Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has warned that Ezri Konsa could be tempted to leave Villa Park for Arsenal in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have identified the England international as a potential replacement for the injured William Saliba.
Contract Situation and Interest
Konsa currently has two years remaining on his Villa contract, and the club are keen to offer him fresh terms. However, if he remains beyond the end of August, Villa will look to secure his long-term future. Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly considering a second attempt to sign Konsa after failing to weaken Villa's resolve earlier this summer.
Agbonlahor believes Konsa's standout performances for England at the World Cup have made it even more difficult for Villa to keep hold of him. The former striker, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted the financial disparity between top clubs and Villa.
Agbonlahor's Warning
"If you're Konsa, you started at the World Cup, you're England's best defender at the World Cup," said Agbonlahor. "What do you reckon Guehi's earning at Manchester City? £300k? Seems like the going price, doesn't it, for Man City? Aston Villa can’t pay that… he’s probably thinking, ‘I deserve that’ and I don’t think anyone at Aston Villa will say he doesn’t. He does but Aston Villa can’t pay that."
Agbonlahor outlined the dilemma facing Villa: "That's the problem Aston Villa have got. Do they sell him this summer, or do they wait until next summer where you're not going to get the £70-80 million? Whatever you want for him. It might be £40million, that's the one I worry about."
Broader Context
He added: "It’s hard to keep hold of them when they’re starting for England. Look at Morgan Rogers, he’s playing for England."
The situation underscores the challenge for clubs like Aston Villa in retaining top talent when they perform on the international stage. With Arsenal's interest and Konsa's rising profile, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for Villa's defensive plans.
