Aston Villa’s £60million stance over Ezri Konsa appears to be holding firm after Arsenal opened talks over a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.
Konsa has emerged as one of Arsenal’s defensive targets this summer as Mikel Arteta searches for additional cover at centre-back and right-back.
Villa have resisted their interest.
The Guardian reports that Arsenal previously had a £30m bid for Konsa rejected, with the Gunners now opening negotiations over Quansah instead.
The Times also reports that Arsenal failed to reach an agreement with Villa, who value the England international at around £60m.
Aston Villa stand firm over Ezri Konsa
Villa’s position has remained consistent despite Arsenal’s interest.
Konsa is one of Unai Emery’s most trusted defenders and offers valuable versatility across central defence and right-back.
ReadAstonVilla previously reported that Arsenal had made Konsa a leading defensive target, while Villa had already placed new contract terms on the table.
Keeping that fresh internal link in the body gives this article a direct route into Sunday’s Aston Villa transfer-news cluster rather than relying entirely on older Konsa coverage.
Arsenal’s move for Quansah may now provide Villa with some breathing room.
The Guardian reports that Leverkusen would demand at least €50m, around £43m, for the former Liverpool defender. Arsenal are not thought to want to meet that figure immediately but could test the Bundesliga club’s resolve.
Arsenal search could strengthen Villa position
Konsa has not disappeared completely from Arsenal’s thinking.
However, opening negotiations for another England international suggests Arteta’s side are actively exploring alternatives rather than simply meeting Villa’s valuation.
That leaves Villa in a strong position.
Selling another important player would create further work for Emery after a summer already containing significant squad changes.
Konsa’s contract situation means Villa will still have decisions to make over his long-term future, but there is little reason to accept an offer significantly below their valuation.
Arsenal wanted to test Villa’s resolve.
So far, Villa have not blinked.
