Arsenal close on deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa

Arsenal close on deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa, per The Athletic .  The negotiations have reached an advanced stage after dialogue at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap for Konsa.  Arsenal have been in the market for a quality defender after William Saliba picked up a back injury during the summer’s World Cup.  The France international doesn’t need surgery , but he is expected to be sidelined for a few months.  Adding to Arsenal’s injury woes, Jurrien Timber’s groin issue flared up again over the summer. He will likely miss the opening few matches of the season.  Konsa holds particular appeal for the North Londoners due to his ability to operate as a centre-back as well as a right-back.  The 28-year-old was a key member of England’s team at the World Cup . He featured in all eight games of the tournament and scored against France in the play-off for third place.  Konsa has significantly enhanced his reputation as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Villa in 2019 from Brentford.  He has made 286 appearances across all competitions, bagging 12 goals and four assists in the process.  The England international played a pivotal role in Villa’s Europa League triumph in 2025-26. He started 10 matches in the European tournament, including the final against SC Freiburg.  Konsa boasts Premier League experience and is renowned for his quality on the ball and his one-v-one defending.  Stats from Transfermarkt