​Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Ezri Konsa and could accelerate their pursuit after William Saliba’s injury, according to The Guardian. Konsa is valued for his versatility, capable of operating at centre-back or right-back, and he is viewed as a player who could provide immediate cover when needed. Mikel Arteta is believed to be leading the charge in pursuing his services.
Saliba was withdrawn at the start of the second half of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. He had been managing a back problem for months, conceding that he had been “gritting his teeth” through the pain, and reports in France have suggested that surgery may be necessary. Arsenal plan to conduct their own assessment before any decision about surgery is made. With doubts lingering over Saliba’s fitness for the start of the new season, there is now an added urgency to bolster the defensive ranks.
Konsa’s stock has risen sharply this summer. He started every England game at the World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, remaining a mainstay while John Stones and Marc Guehi rotated, and he even filled in at right-back during the quarter-final win over Norway. The sticking point, as ever, remains the transfer fee. Arsenal are understood to value Konsa at around £35 million, but Aston Villa are said to be aiming closer to £60 million. With two years left on his contract, Villa are not under pressure to sell cheaply.
Villa’s broader situation could alter the picture, however. They have already lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, while Amadou Onana is facing a lengthy spell out with a knee injury. Such departures could force Villa to consider offers more seriously. Konsa has been a mainstay at Villa since arriving from Brentford for £12 million in 2019, and selling him would be a significant blow to Unai Emery, even as Arsenal present a plan that appears prudent for a squad competing on four fronts.