Arsenal close in on Ezri Konsa after major Villa talks breakthrough

Arsenal are closing in on Ezri Konsa after making a significant breakthrough in talks with Aston Villa over the England international.

Mikel Arteta has been searching for another defender following injuries to William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, with Konsa identified as one of Arsenal’s leading options.

Talks have now advanced after dialogue at ownership level helped narrow the previous gap between the two clubs’ valuations.

🚨🔴⚪️ Ezri Konsa has agreed personal terms with Arsenal: he wants the move as negotiations are moving to the final stages.

Konsa’s camp informed Villa about his desire to join #AFC project as clubs are in contact to get the deal done soon.

Top target all summer, now closer —… pic.twitter.com/88gNBk68qM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2026

Ezri Konsa Arsenal transfer moves closer

The Athletic reports that Arsenal are closing in on an agreement to sign Konsa before the transfer window closes.

The 28-year-old has been high on Arsenal’s defensive shortlist throughout the summer, with his ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back particularly attractive to Arteta.

That versatility has become increasingly important.

Saliba is facing an extended spell out with a back problem, while Timber’s fitness has also required careful management, leaving Arsenal needing another player capable of covering the right side of their defence.

Konsa would provide an immediate Premier League-ready solution.

He made 48 appearances for Villa last season as they won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League, while he also started every England match at the World Cup until the semi-final.

Arsenal have explored alternatives.

ReadArsenal reported on Tuesday that Bayer Leverkusen had made their stance clear over Jarell Quansah, with the Bundesliga club unwilling to sanction his departure despite Arsenal’s interest.

That development made progress over Konsa even more important.

Unlike a younger defender requiring time to adapt, Konsa could arrive ready to compete immediately while also giving Arteta cover in two positions.

Villa would suffer another significant blow if a deal is completed following a summer which has already seen several senior players depart.

For Arsenal, however, the picture is becoming increasingly positive.

After weeks of a valuation gap threatening to stall their pursuit, ownership-level discussions appear to have finally pushed the Konsa deal towards a conclusion.