Arsenal pushing on with deal to sign Villa's Konsa

Arsenal are accelerating their interest in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

Various sources have indicated there is some optimism an agreement for the England international to move to Emirates Stadium is possible.

Konsa is Arsenal 's first-choice defensive target but so far the Premier League champions have not met Villa's £60m valuation.

BBC Sport revealed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks with Villa over a deal for Konsa but still fell short of reaching an agreement.

The Gunners then appeared to pivot to Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah.

However, Arsenal have refocused their efforts on Konsa with a sense now the deal will get completed.

The 28-year-old, who joined the Villans in July 2019, has made 286 appearances over the past seven seasons.

Konsa featured 48 times last term in all competitions, scoring two goals and contributing one assist, as Unai Emery's side lifted the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for 2026-27.

Konsa has not featured at all during Aston Villa 's pre‑season, including the 2‑1 defeat to Paris St‑Germain in the Uefa Super Cup , after Emery gave him four weeks off following the World Cup.

He played in every game of England's World Cup run as the Three Lions finished third.

Speaking after the final warm‑up match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Emery explained the absence of Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, saying: "They are joining us after this match."

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Usually, winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League would leave a club in a position of strength.

However, Villa have been picked apart this summer to become a victim of the system they have been vocal against.