Following the news of William Saliba's upcoming absence from the Arsenal team, their interest in Ezri Konsa is reportedly heating up.
Numerous outlets have reported the Gunner's interest in the Aston Villa centre back, with some reports even stating that he is at the very top of Arsenal's wish list in that position.
Despite reports of a significant difference in opinion for the price of the player - with Villa reportedly holding out for around £15m more than the Gunners' £35m valuation - rumours continue to intensify over a potential move.
The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell confirmed on the 1874 Podcast that the Villans have offered Konsa - who's current deal expires in 2028 - a new contract, which is yet to be signed by the 28 year-old.
As a result, Aston Villa are likely to be open to offers for their centre back, who already lives in London, despite currently plying his trade in the midlands.
With that said, we take a look at five players who could potentially replace the defender at Villa Park.
Joel Ordóñez
One of the players most heavily mentioned so far is Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordóñez.
The 22 year-old is extremely highly rated in European football, since is €1.5m move to Belgium back in 2023.
An Ecuador international, Ordóñez has already featured against Aston Villa on numerous occasions, having played them three times within his 22 UEFA Champions League appearances.
Unai Emery has a history of signing players who have performed well against his sides, with summer signing Johan Manzambi the latest example, making Joel Ordóñez a serious contender to replace the England international.
His age profile also fits Villa's current strategy this summer, whilst Sweden international Viktor Lindelof is a stable pair of hands to help give the Ecuadorian the appropriate time to adapt to English football and Emery's tactically demanding system.
Ousmane Diomande
While he currently looks set to move to Villa's fellow midlands outfit Nottingham Forest, Ousmane Diomande would be an astute Ezri Konsa replacement.
At 22 years-old - like Ordóñez - Diomande fits the current strategy at Aston Villa this summer, as Emery looks to reduce the average age of his squad - who were the second oldest in the division last season.
Highly rated throughout his time at Sporting CP, the Ivorian international is a comanding figure at the back of defence, alongside possessing good quality on the ball.
The reported fee of £34m would do little to deter Villa, but this deal would require Konsa's exit to be decided sooner rather than later, to allow time for any potential hijack.
John Stones
While a cut-price option, John Stones would offer versatility and a winning mentality to Aston Villa.
Having left Manchester City on a free at the end of last season, Stones is still reportedly weighing up his options, with Arsenal, Chelsea and various Italian clubs all in the running for his signature.
However, should Villa enter the conversation, the allure of first team football and UEFA Champions League next season could tempt the England international into moving to the midlands.
While a short-term fix, Stones could represent good value for Unai Emery's side, giving them time and budget to plan ahead for a long term successor.
Ben White
Having already done a deal with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho and Morgan Rogers, could Aston Villa do the same with Arsenal?
Any deal would need to be another loan with a 'conditional obligation to buy' as per Garnacho - due to UEFA regulations around swap deals - but Ben White would be a good edition to Aston Villa's squad.
At 28, White is in the prime of his career and, despite dealing with injury issues of late, is an exceptional ball playing defender, who would be more than astute enough to cover at centre back.
Asking price and wages may be an issue for the deal, as could a potential unwillingness from Arsenal to do the Villans a favour, but - should they pull it off - Ben White could be an ideal replacement for the experience of Ezri Konsa.
Lloyd Kelly
Having been linked to Aston Villa in the past, Lloyd Kelly could be a cheaper option to replace Konsa.
The 27 year-old, currently at Juventus, has bags of Premier League experience following stints at Bournemouth and Newcastle, and has rediscovered himself in Italy.
Unai Emery has a storied history of rehabilitating 'underperforming' footballers and would likely revel at the prospect of working with a player like Kelly.
Juventus would likely be looking for some return on their €17m investment, though any fee would be unlikely to be too high for Villa to stomach.
