Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Gaining tractionMirror FootballUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Arsenal close in on Ezri Konsa after initial bid rejected
Arsenal are closing in on Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa after talks advanced.
E. Konsa
player
Player
Ezri Konsa
Position
Defender
Current club
Aston Villa
Linked club
Arsenal
Reported fee
£40m bid, Villa value at £60m
What happened. Arsenal failed with a £40m bid for Konsa earlier in the window, but talks have progressed towards a resolution.
- Konsa is Arsenal's preferred target for a right-sided defender.
- Saliba and Timber will miss the start of the season with long-term injuries.
- Personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Deal not done yet, but talks advancing at ownership level to bridge valuation gap.
In this story
Arsenal
Aston VillaMore to read
Sky Sports
Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Villa's Konsa
BBC Sport
Arsenal pushing on with deal to sign Villa's Konsa
Football.London
BREAKING: Arsenal close to signing Ezri Konsa in huge deal as 'owners intervene on transfer'
CaughtOffside
Arsenal agree personal terms with star as £65m transfer edges closer
