Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Wednesday morning: "England international Konsa, 28, holds particular appeal given his ability to cover at both centre-back and right-back and has been high on Arsenal’s target list all summer.
"Work is now advancing with Aston Villa to finalise the move after dialogue at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap for the defender."
Despite boasting William Saliba, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera amongst their defensive ranks, Mikel Arteta has been keen to add more cover, with Saliba and Timber currently out injured, and Konsa fits Arteta's desire for versatile defenders, with all bar Saliba and Gabriel capable of playing in more than one defensive role.
Konsa has been a crucial part of Aston Villa's defence since their return to the Premier League, with the England international missing just 11 Premier League games over the last four seasons, forcing his way into the Three Lions setup, where he's earned 28 caps since making his debut in 2024.
Konsa still has two years to run on his contract; as such, the Gunners will likely be forced to pay upwards of £50m for the 28-year-old, though the move would be the latest blow for Villa.
The Villans have already seen Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers leave, with Emi Martinez close to an exit and Ollie Watkins linked with a move away from Villa Park, leaving the squad much sparser than Unai Emery would have liked ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League.
