Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign centre-back Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The Athletics David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are close to finalising the transfer for the England international following discussions at boardroom level between the two clubs.Konsa, 28, is the Premier League champions top defensive target, with his flexibility in being able to operate at right-back as well as at the heart of the defence offering significant appeal.The Gunners have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusens Jarrell Quansah, another who can play both positions.However, with Leverkusen having seemingly made it clear Quansah is not for sale, Arsenal will now look to tie up a move for Konsa and make him their fifth signing of the summer.Konsa has two years left on his contract with Villa, for whom he has made 286 appearances for the club since joining from Brentford in 2019.A crucial figure for Villa in their rise under Unai Emery, Konsa featured in 48 games last season, which ended with a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and glory in the Europa League courtesy of a 3-0 win over Freiburg in the final.Konsa started all but one of Englands games at the 2026 World Cup as they finished third, their best performance at the tournament since their victory in 1966. He scored the second goal in Englands 6-4 win over France in the third-place play-off.More to follow. Topics Arsenal F.C. Aston Villa F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Aston Villa make double swoop for Suzuki and Ruggeri Jon Fisher 19th August, 2026 Premier League predictions: Title winners? Top four? Biggest surprise and biggest flop? Jon Fisher 19th August, 2026 Aston Villa agree deal to sign Wan-Bissaka from West Ham Nicholas McGee 18th August, 2026 Rodri: Barcelona sign Man City star in �65m transfer as Real Madrid miss out on Spain captain Jon Fisher 18th August, 2026 Arsenal legend Vieira named new Senegal manager Tom Rostance 18th August, 2026 Rooney identifies no-brainer signing for Man United after worrying pre-season performance Nicholas McGee 18th August, 2026
