Gabby Agbonlahor has blasted Arsenal’s opening approach for Ezri Konsa as Aston Villa continue to demand a huge fee for the England defender.
Arsenal have returned to the table for Konsa as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defence before the transfer window closes.
However, a major gap remains between the two clubs after Arsenal previously valued the 28-year-old at around £35million while Villa are looking for at least £60m.
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Villa striker Agbonlahor made his feelings about that opening figure clear.
Ezri Konsa Arsenal offer slammed by Agbonlahor
“£35million is a disgrace of an offer,” Agbonlahor said, pointing to Konsa’s contract situation and performances for both Villa and England.
Konsa still has two years remaining on his Villa deal and played a major role for England at this summer’s World Cup.
Villa believe his value should also reflect the prices paid elsewhere in the centre-back market, with Jan Paul van Hecke and Maxence Lacroix both moving for around £52m this summer.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Thursday night that Arsenal had reopened their move for Ezri Konsa as Aston Villa maintained their £60m stance.
Arsenal must now decide whether to significantly improve their position.
Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT that Villa dismissed the earlier valuation immediately and believes there is a possibility a transfer could develop if Arsenal return with a much bigger offer.
Konsa has become one of Unai Emery’s most trusted defenders and losing him would create another major hole in a squad already reshaped heavily this summer.
Villa therefore have little reason to make the deal easy for Arsenal.
Interest from the Premier League champions is serious, but Agbonlahor’s reaction underlines just how far apart the clubs remain over what Konsa is worth.
