Aston Villa are anticipating a second offer from Arsenal for Ezri Konsa after their initial bid failed to meet the £60 million asking price. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly seeking defensive reinforcements due to William Saliba's back injury, which is expected to sideline him for several months.
Konsa Remains a Key Target
Konsa emerged as an option for Arsenal in July following a strong season at Villa Park. During the World Cup, a 'low-ball offer' was submitted to Villa and quickly rejected, with reports suggesting it left a sour taste.
His former teammate Morgan Rogers was also of significant interest to the Gunners before he completed a staggering £117 million move to Chelsea. The bid for Konsa did not help Arsenal's chances of signing Rogers, and it could yet impact any deal for the English defender.
Villa Brace for Fresh Proposal
Arsenal are unlikely to give up hope of signing Konsa, according to the Daily Mail, which also claims Villa are bracing for a fresh proposal from north London. Following their first bid, Konsa is said to have remained on Arsenal's radar while Villa are hoping for him to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2028.
Having acquired over £150 million from selling Rogers and Youri Tielemans, Villa are not under financial pressure to sell. Those key departures also seem to have hardened Unai Emery's stance on Konsa, with an exit unlikely to be sanctioned unless a suitable replacement is lined up.
Arsenal's Summer Priorities
Konsa is entering the final stages of his three-week break following the World Cup. Players who reached the quarter-finals have returned this week, which has seen two Arsenal deals ramp up. A deal for Bruno Guimaraes is in the process of being finalised, with Newcastle United set to receive £75 million for their captain. His fellow Brazilian Vinicius Jr is also being targeted, with his Real Madrid future uncertain as he has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Completing both of those transfers is seemingly Arsenal's priority this summer, with a pursuit of Konsa expected to be formalised after that, despite the difficulties in getting a deal done for the England defender.
