Arsenal are closing in on the signing of England international centre-back Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, according to trusted transfer reporter David Ornstein.
The Gunners have been forced into the market after William Saliba suffered a back injury during the recently concluded World Cup campaign, leaving the club short of defensive cover.
A statement on Arsenal’s official website confirmed the severity of the situation, with the club stating that Saliba “has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.”
The statement added that “William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.”
With Saliba sidelined, Arsenal identified Konsa as their primary target given his ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back, making him a versatile option for Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.
Writing on The Athletic, Ornstein reports that Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to bring the former Brentford defender to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Talks between Arsenal’s and Villa’s ownership are advancing, with both parties working to negotiate a fee, given that Villa are expected to demand a figure well above Konsa’s £38m Transfermarkt valuation.
In a separate update, Fabrizio Romano has reported that talks between the clubs are in the final stages, and Konsa himself has informed Villa that he wants to make the move to the Emirates.
Konsa brings with him an exceptional record of durability and consistency, having missed just 11 Premier League matches across the past four seasons for Aston Villa.
That reliability made him a cornerstone of Villa’s recent success, contributing to two top-four Premier League finishes across the last three campaigns and playing a key role in their push for silverware.
The 2025/26 season was another impressive one for the defender, who made 48 appearances across all competitions as Villa ended their 30-year wait for a major trophy by lifting the UEFA Europa League.
His impending arrival would serve as a significant statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to compete for both domestic and continental honours in the season ahead.