Ezri Konsa has been linked with Arsenal all summer – and now the transfer could finally become a reality. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are in the process of agreeing with Aston Villa on a deal worth around £50 million for the England international.
The report describes the transition as “progressing, but not quite there yet”. Talks at the owner level are underway to close the gap between the clubs, which started with Arsenal making a bid of £40 million – while Villa demanded close to 60 million.
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Exactly what the final price will be is unclear, but all indications are that it will end up around £50 million – a sum that reflects both Villa’s demands and Arsenal’s willingness to pay.
Konsa has not played in the pre-season
Konsa was a regular fixture in England’s team during the World Cup, and has therefore not participated in Villa’s pre-season. He has been given extra time off – as have Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martínez – and thus missed the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Emery’s words: “He’s better than he thinks”
Konsa has emerged as a key player for Unai Emery, who has previously spoken highly of the stopper:
“When I came to Aston Villa and analysed all the players, I saw that Konsa was good – but sometimes not good enough. Now I can say that he is better than he thinks. I believe in him more than he believes in himself.
“He’s still young, but now he’s gaining more experience – in Europe, in the top ten, in the top five. Also on the national team. This step is perfect, but he needs a new challenge. I’m going to push him to take it – to lead the team, talk more, train every day to get better and play with a new winning mindset.
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Konsa on Emery: “He’s made me a leader”
Konsa himself has stated that Emery has had a great impact on his development:
“His CV speaks for itself – he has won European trophies. When I heard that he was coming, I was really excited. I knew I wanted to develop under a manager like Unai. He has really developed me into a man – I was a man, but now I feel like a man on the pitch.
“I’m becoming a leader. He has helped me in ways I can’t explain – with the ball, positioning, confidence and helping others around me. I see teams like City and Arsenal playing great football – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do at Villa and we’re starting to do it now.
What now?
If the deal goes through, Arsenal will get one of the Premier League’s best stoppers – a player with speed, strength and leadership qualities. For Aston Villa, it will be a heavy loss, but with £50 million in the coffers, Unai Emery can strengthen the team in other areas.
The transfer could be confirmed within a few days.
