Aston Villa are set to lose another key player, with England defender Ezri Konsa reportedly on his way to Arsenal after the two clubs agreed a transfer deal.
The agreed fee is reportedly £51m, despite Villa’s initial £60m valuation of the 28-year-old.
Konsa’s departure would be another significant blow for Unai Emery’s side, who have already seen several big-name players leave the club this summer.
Aston Villa face another major departure
Konsa has been an important player for Aston Villa, and his departure would leave the club needing to find another defensive reinforcement before the end of the transfer window.
The England international can play as both a centre-back and right-back, making him a valuable option for Emery.
During the 2025/26 Premier League season, Konsa won the most ground duels, ahead of the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel.
Arsenal were also interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah, who has a similar ability to play in both positions. However, the Gunners eventually opted to sign Konsa.
The move will strengthen an Arsenal defence that has already been hit by injuries, with William Saliba set to miss an extended period with a back injury and Jurrien Timber sidelined with a long-term groin issue.
Villa could also lose Ollie Watkins
Konsa is not the only major Villa player whose future is uncertain.
The club are also facing the possibility of losing Ollie Watkins, with Al Hilal reportedly interested in signing the England international.
Villa have already rejected an offer for Watkins, but negotiations between the two clubs are reportedly continuing.
The potential departure of Watkins, alongside Konsa, would leave Villa without two of their most important players from recent seasons.
After previously establishing themselves as a regular Champions League side under Emery, Villa could now face a major rebuild if more key players leave.
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Who could replace Konsa at Aston Villa?
It will not be easy for the Villans to replace Konsa, but there are already potential targets in mind.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has reportedly emerged as one option for Villa as they look to strengthen their defence.
However, Villa would face competition for his signature, with Marseille, Benfica and Sevilla also reportedly interested in the Chelsea defender.
For Arsenal, Konsa provides valuable depth at both centre-back and right-back and could make his debut against Coventry City in the Premier League if he is registered by midday BST on Thursday, August 20.
If he does not feature in the opening game, his Arsenal debut could come against his former club on Monday, August 31, when Arsenal travel to Villa Park.
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