Aston Villa have been assessing replacements for Ezri Konsa throughout the summer and will now need to act after the England international agreed a move to Arsenal. A deal worth around £50 million plus add-ons was agreed on Wednesday, and Konsa is expected to complete his move to the Premier League champions before the weekend. If he does not feature against Coventry City on Friday night, he could make his Gunners debut at Villa Park.
Illia Zabarnyi: PSG defender could be available
Illia Zabarnyi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain has not really worked out, having only joined the European champions last summer. Signed in a deal worth £57 million, perhaps PSG would be open to selling for a smaller fee, considering he made only 37 appearances last season and started just two of their 17 Champions League matches.
Joel Ordoñez: Club Brugge star impressed against Villa
Club Brugge defender Joel Ordoñez impressed against Villa in the 2024/25 season, managing to hold off Ollie Watkins when the Belgians won 1-0 at home in the league phase. At just 22 years of age, Ordoñez would command a sizable fee, but his value could rocket in the Premier League should he continue his development under Unai Emery. While he is currently nursing a foot injury, this would be a long-term investment in a player who could shine once he recovers.
Fikayo Tomori: AC Milan defender seeking new challenge
Fikayo Tomori joined AC Milan in January 2021 and won Serie A in his first full campaign at the club five seasons ago. Now 28, Tomori has entered his prime years and could depart the Italian club this summer in search of a new challenge. Milan are also without Champions League football next season after finishing fifth last term and qualifying for the Europa League.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Chelsea target adds homegrown option
Reports claim that Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo is a target for Villa to replace Konsa, as the club look to add more homegrown players to their squad, which could be limited if Watkins and Emi Martinez also leave. Tosin joined Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after his contract with Fulham expired, but has been on the periphery of the squad. After starting 15 league games in the 2024/25 season, the 28-year-old played from the start on just eight occasions last term.
Jon Martin: Real Sociedad youngster offers potential
A younger option Villa may consider is Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin, who turned 20 in April. Full of exciting potential, the Spanish defender started 25 La Liga matches last season and will be well known to Roberto Olabe after his many years working at the Basque club. Emery will also be aware of Martin’s talent, but whether it is too early in his development for him to slot into a starting role for Villa will be a question that is asked.
