Arsenal are making an offer of £40million for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa

Arsenal are preparing a second offer worth £40 million for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as Mikel Arteta intensifies his search for defensive reinforcements, FootballInsider have confirmed.

Arsenal to Launch Improved £40m Bid for Aston Villa Defender Ezri Konsa

The Gunners saw an initial £30 million proposal rejected by Villa earlier in the transfer window, but the north London club remains determined to secure the 28-year-old’s signature this summer.

Konsa has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal, leaving the two clubs as the only obstacle to completing the deal.

The England international has emerged as a priority target for Arteta, who admires the defender’s versatility and consistent Premier League experience.

With over 230 top-flight appearances since joining Villa in 2019, Konsa has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable defensive options.

His ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back makes him an attractive proposition for Arsenal’s squad depth.

However, Unai Emery’s side are digging in their heels over the defender’s valuation.

Villa value Konsa closer to £60 million and have no desire to part with one of their key players, particularly with his contract running until 2028.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, sources indicated that Arsenal’s £40 million offer is unlikely to gain approval from the Midlands club.

“Villa don’t want to lose him, and if they do reluctantly sell him, it’s going to be at their asking price,” an insider revealed.

Arsenal’s urgency in the transfer market has been heightened by injury concerns surrounding William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

Arteta is keen to bolster his defensive options in the coming weeks to ensure his squad remains competitive on multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also working on outgoings, with Reiss Nelson expected to depart the Emirates.

West Ham are pushing to sign the winger, who spent consecutive loan spells at Fulham and Brentford without making a lasting impression.

With less than a year remaining on his contract, a permanent move or another loan deal remains possible.