Arsenal close in on Ezri Konsa as Aston Villa talks advance, clubs near compromise on £60m valuation

Arsenal are edging closer to a deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa with the two clubs closer to bridging the gap in valuation.

Konsa has been a target for the Premier League champions all summer, as Mikel Arteta seeks to bring in defensive reinforcements. Arsenal want to add a defender that can cover centre-back and right-back, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both dealing with injuries.

Negotiations between Arsenal and Aston Villa over a deal for the 28-year-old are 'now advancing', report The Athletic, with optimism a deal can be struck.

Arsenal's opening proposal of around £30m was dismissed by Aston Villa, who are understood to value Konsa at closer to £60m. The England international has two years left on his contract at Villa Park.

A compromise is expected to be reached in a transfer that will see Konsa return to London. A graduate of the Charlton Athletic academy, Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019 and has since made 286 appearances for the club.

He was a central part of the club's top-four finish and Europa League success last season, making 48 appearances across all competitions.

Included in the England squad this summer, Konsa started seven of England's eight games as the Three Lions finished third at the 2026 World Cup.

His exit from Aston Villa would continue a summer of upheaval for Unai Emery. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have all departed, while Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins are subject of interest from Saudi Pro League sides.