Arsenal weighing up opening offer for World Cup star - but there’s a problem

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Arsenal are mulling over a bid to sign Ezri Konsa, according to the Daily Mail, though they remain some way off matching Aston Villa’s valuation.

The Telegraph reported in July that Arsenal have developed tentative interest in signing England international Konsa.

However, the same publication claimed Villa value the 28-year-old at €70.5million (£60m) - a figure which remains prohibitive to Arsenal.

And now the Mail understands that price tag continues to remain a problem for Arsenal, even though an opening offer is “on the cards”.

The Times understands Arsenal are keen to sign Konsa as cover for William Saliba after it emerged he has been carrying a back injury for several weeks.

Saliba had to be withdrawn in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday after the issue was exacerbated.

BBC Sport understands surgery is among the options being considered by Arsenal, with an operation likely leading to a long spell on the sidelines.

Konsa also competed at the World Cup this summer, helping England record their best finish since 1966 by beating France in Saturday’s bronze final.

The centre-back scored England’s second in Miami as Thomas Tuchel’s side edged a 10-goal thriller with a 6-4 victory.

Konsa has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders with Unai Emery’s Villa.

The former Brentford man played a key role in helping Villa win the Europa League last season - the club’s first European silverware since 1982.

Konsa has made 286 appearances in all competitions for the Villa Park club, scoring 12 goals. He has also earned 28 caps for England.

Konsa's team-mate Rogers picks Chelsea over Arsenal

The news comes after Chelsea agreed a €137m (£117m) fee to sign Konsa’s Villa and England team-mate Morgan Rogers on Saturday.

STATS

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 55

  Games

• 14

  Goals

• 11

  Assists

View all stats

Rogers was a top target for Arsenal this summer, according to The Athletic, but the 23-year-old preferred a move to Chelsea.

The same publication understands Rogers’ valuation exceeded Arsenal’s expectations, however, paving the way for Chelsea to hijack the transfer.

Rogers will undergo a medical with Chelsea on Monday ahead of signing a six-year contract with Xabi Alonso’s side, according to The Athletic.