Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with manager Mikel Arteta said to be driving the club’s interest personally.

According to talkSPORT, Arteta views Konsa as a player who could add genuine quality and experience to Arsenal’s back line this summer.

The 27-year-old has developed into one of Villa’s most reliable performers under the guidance of head coach Unai Emery at Villa Park.

Konsa’s versatility makes him a particularly attractive option, as he is comfortable operating at both centre-back and right-back across a demanding Premier League season.

Aston Villa currently value Konsa at around £60m, a figure that Arsenal have so far been unwilling to meet, according to The Telegraph.

The Gunners’ interest remains at an early stage, with the club still prioritising attacking reinforcements ahead of defensive additions this window.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Konsa is further complicated by their strong interest in his Aston Villa and England team-mate Morgan Rogers, who has been one of the club’s top attacking targets this summer.

Villa’s significant valuation of Rogers has already made that particular deal difficult, and pursuing both players simultaneously puts Arsenal in a delicate position with the Midlands club.

Villa are understood to be reluctant to sell multiple key players to the same club in one transfer window, meaning losing both Rogers and Konsa to Arsenal would represent a major decision for the club.

Arsenal must tread carefully if they hope to secure either target, as pushing too hard on Konsa could jeopardise their chances of landing Rogers, who appears to be the higher priority.

A £60m outlay on a defender only makes clear sense if Arteta views Konsa as a guaranteed starter and a central part of his long-term plans at the Emirates.

If that level of certainty is not there, Arsenal may be better served directing their financial resources toward Rogers and exploring more cost-effective options to strengthen their defensive options.

Konsa brings Premier League pedigree and proven adaptability, which would reduce the typical risk associated with a major summer transfer, but the price tag remains a genuine obstacle.

Arsenal’s summer business is shaping up to be one that requires careful prioritisation, and how they navigate the Konsa situation could define how the rest of their window unfolds.

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