Arsenal has engaged in further discussions to acquire defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The Premier League champions' latest proposal is understood to be around £40 million, falling short of Villa's valuation of £60 million for the England international.
Konsa is currently on holiday following the World Cup and is not part of Aston Villa's squad for their Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. This follows reports from last month that identified Konsa as Arsenal's primary target for central defense, though their initial offer was significantly lower than Villa's demands.
Konsa has remained a player of interest for Arsenal. He has two years remaining on his contract with Aston Villa. The club has expressed a desire for him to sign an extension. Aston Villa has already seen key players Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans depart this summer, with Lucas Digne now at Paris Saint-Germain. The potential departure of Konsa would necessitate a substantial rebuilding effort for Villa manager Unai Emery.
Aston Villa has already recouped over £140 million from the sales of Rogers, who joined Chelsea, and Tielemans, who signed for Manchester United. The club is not under financial pressure to sell Konsa and is unlikely to do so without securing a high-level replacement.
Arsenal is seeking defensive reinforcements, particularly with William Saliba facing a significant injury absence. The team's pre-season performance has highlighted the impact of Saliba's absence, as they have conceded an uncharacteristic number of goals, including a recent 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Konsa will turn 29 in October, and his next contract is expected to be the most financially significant of his career. Should he agree to fresh terms with Aston Villa, he would rank among the club's highest earners, alongside goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.