Arsenal receive fresh update in pursuit of €70m-rated World Cup hero

Updated: 7 Jul 2026 11:03 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Aston Villa are expected to hold contract talks with Ezri Konsa amid tentative interest from Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.

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The Telegraph reported earlier this month that the Gunners are monitoring Konsa as well as his Villa team-mate Morgan Rogers.

However, the same publication claims Arsenal have more interest in signing Rogers than they do Konsa, who Villa value at €70million (£60m).

STATS

Ezri Konsa

D (C)

A. Villa

Ezri Konsa

D (C)

A. Villa

48

Games
2

Goals
0

Assists

Yet the Mail now understands Villa are preparing to open discussions with England international Konsa over a new contract.

The 28-year-old, who - alongside Rogers - is currently at the World Cup with England, has just two years remaining on his Villa contract.

Konsa has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the last seven seasons with Villa.

The former Charlton Athletic man has made 286 appearances for Villa and helped them win the UEFA Europa League last season.

Konsa has also been an ever-present for England at this summer’s World Cup, starting all five of the Three Lions’ fixtures so far.

Arsenal learn staggering conditions required to sign Rogers

A separate report in the Mail claims Arsenal will have to pay a British record €152m (£130m) in order to prize Rogers away from Villa.

The same outlet claims Villa need to offload one key player under UEFA’s spending rules, though they are keen to keep hold of Rogers.

Like Konsa, attacking midfielder Rogers is regarded as one of the best Premier League players in his position.

The 23-year-old has scored 31 goals in 125 games since moving to Villa from Championship side Middlesbrough in February 2024.

Rogers was also named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after helping Unai Emery's side win the competition last term, alongside Konsa.

Konsa and Rogers hoping to help England reach World Cup semis

Both players are hoping to help England reach the World Cup semi-finals when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

"That's what I'm talking about" 👊

Reece James and Ezri Konsa embrace after England's victory 🫂 pic.twitter.com/CYSAYyuzU9
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2026

Konsa started the Three Lions’ thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 on Monday, while Rogers was a late substitute at Estadio Azteca.

England were reduced to 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s red card but they held on to record one of their greatest ever victories.

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty as Tuchel’s charges booked their place in the last eight in North America.

Meanwhile, Norway advanced to the quarter-finals after Erling Haaland’s stunning brace earned them a 2-1 victory over Brazil.

The Manchester City star, who is competing in his maiden World Cup, has scored seven goals so far this tournament.

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