19 August 2026

Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa and are hopeful of reaching a middle ground over the transfer fee in the next few days.

Mikel Arteta is keen to reinforce his defence following William Saliba’s serious injury and Jurrien Timber’s ongoing return to full fitness.

There is a clear understanding at the club that one more injury in that part of the pitch could leave the champions lacking in numbers.

As a result, a right-sided defender has been identified as a priority for the Gunners as they look to retain their Premier League crown.

Konsa, who played for England at the World Cup this summer, is expected to cost in the region of £50m.

The 28-year-old would likely battle with Cristhian Mosquera to fill in for Saliba alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the start of the season, with Arsenal due to face Coventry at home on Friday night.

Konsa can also offer cover at right-back as an alternative to Ben White, with Jurrien Timber carefully managing his recovery after groin surgery this summer.

Konsa would add versatility to Arsenal if an agreement is reached with Aston Villa.

Confidence is increasing that the deal will go through, even though Villa had initially valued Konsa at about £60m.

After beating Manchester City in the Community Shield, Arteta said the club had been working “for weeks” on improving the defence.

With Saliba expected to be sidelined for months because of a back issue and Timber likely to have a limited role at first, Konsa would offer immediate cover for the Gunners.

Arteta could therefore begin with White at right-back and Mosquera at centre-back alongside Gabriel, while Konsa could become available next week if negotiations move quickly.

Kylian Mbappe of France and Ezri Konsa of England contest the ball.

Riccardo Calafiori would then complete the back four in front of David Raya, with the defence continuing to serve as the base of Arsenal’s progress under Arteta.

Konsa’s development follows a seven-year spell with Villa after he joined from Brentford for £12m in 2019.

He is poised to become the latest player to leave Villa this summer, with the changes under Unai Emery also including the sales of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while the futures of Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are still uncertain.