Arsenal have renewed their interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as the Premier League champions step up their efforts to strengthen their back line.
The 28-year-old remains on holiday following the World Cup and is not part of the Villa squad for Wednesday’s Super Cup meeting with Paris St-Germain. His future, however, is again attracting attention as Arsenal consider making a fresh approach.
The Gunners explored a deal for Konsa earlier in the summer but were only prepared to offer around £30m. Villa value the England international at £60m, leaving a significant gap between the two clubs and preventing the proposed move from progressing.
Arsenal have since completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and are now turning their attention towards defensive additions. Konsa’s ability to operate in different positions across the back line is viewed as an attractive quality by the north London club.
Arsenal are aware that their previous valuation will not be enough to convince Villa to sell and would have to substantially increase their offer. It remains uncertain whether Villa would consider accepting anything below their £60m valuation.
Konsa was an important figure for Villa last season, making 48 appearances across all competitions and helping the club win the Europa League. His performances have also established him as an England international.
Arsenal are considering other high-profile defensive options, with the club also making enquiries about Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.
Exploratory talks have taken place with Spurs over the possibility of a move for the Argentina defender. However, Tottenham are believed to have no intention of allowing their 28-year-old captain to join their fierce north London rivals.
Such a transfer would rank among the most unexpected deals of the summer, but Tottenham’s position has not stopped Arsenal from investigating whether an agreement could be possible.
Romero missed the closing stages of the domestic campaign after suffering a knee injury against Sunderland in April. He recovered in time to represent Argentina at the World Cup and started in the final against Spain, playing 70 minutes as his country were beaten.
With Konsa back on Arsenal’s radar and Romero also attracting interest, the champions appear determined to add another major defensive option before the summer transfer window closes.
