Arsenal prepare to raise bid for £60m target after completing Bruno Guimaraes deal
Arsenal are ready to revive their pursuit of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and accept that a significantly improved offer will be required to bring the England international to north London.
The Premier League champions explored a move earlier this summer but were only prepared to offer around £30million, considerably below Villa’s valuation of approximately £60m.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal are now accelerating their interest after completing the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, with strengthening central defence becoming one of the club’s remaining priorities.
Konsa’s ability to operate at centre-back and right-back is particularly attractive as Arsenal seek experienced defensive cover during William Saliba’s injury absence.
The 28-year-old made 48 appearances across all competitions for Aston Villa last season and was an important part of the team that lifted the Europa League.
He subsequently strengthened his international standing at the World Cup, starting throughout England’s run to third place before remaining on holiday following the tournament.
Konsa is consequently absent from Villa’s squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, although his extended break rather than his transfer situation is understood to explain that absence.
Recent reports have consistently placed Villa’s asking price at around £60m, while Arsenal’s previous reluctance to reach that figure prevented their initial interest from developing.
The situation could now change.
Arsenal recognise that another proposal would need to move substantially closer to Villa’s expectations, although it remains unclear how far sporting director Andrea Berta is prepared to go.
Villa are under little pressure to accept a discounted deal for a defender who has been a central part of their recent progress, while replacing him this late in the window would present another complication.
Konsa is not the only experienced Premier League centre-back Arsenal have explored.
The club have also made enquiries regarding Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, although completing a transfer between the north London rivals would be considerably more difficult.
Tottenham have shown little appetite to sell Romero to Arsenal, while Atletico Madrid have also been pursuing the Argentina international this summer.
That resistance could make Konsa the more realistic option as Arsenal look to add another defender before the September 1 deadline.
His Premier League experience, homegrown status and positional versatility would give Arsenal immediate cover without requiring a lengthy adaptation period.
The central question is now financial.
Arsenal were unwilling to approach Villa’s £60m valuation earlier in the window, but their renewed push suggests the club are prepared to reconsider how much they are willing to spend to strengthen the defence.
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