Arsenal Nears Agreement to Sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa
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According to a report by David Ornstein for The Athletic, Arsenal is closing in on a deal to acquire Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with discussions between the two clubs progressing to finalize the transfer.
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Ornstein noted that ownership-level talks have occurred to narrow the valuation gap for the defender, who is set to return from his post-World Cup holiday on Monday.
Historically, Arsenal has made their moves for players following their holidays, and this case appears to be consistent with that trend.
The Gunners previously completed their signing of Bruno Guimaraes immediately after he returned to Newcastle United, and similarly pursued Vinicius Junior upon his return to Real Madrid, though that deal did not materialize as the winger chose to renew his contract.
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Rumors surrounding Arsenal’s interest in Konsa intensified recently. Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness informed Football Insider that personal terms are reportedly agreed upon, suggesting a fee could soon follow.
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“I do expect the deal to get done with Arsenal,” Wyness stated. “I think they’re going to get to somewhere near £50m plus add-ons; I think that will be what we’re expecting to do.”
“I heard this morning from one of my Villa friends that the personal terms had been agreed. So it’s moving that way now; the clubs have got to find a way forward.”
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Arsenal’s negotiation efforts for Konsa had faced some obstacles due to differing valuations between the clubs, with Villa demanding £60m while Arsenal aimed to pay up to £40m.
As discussions stalled, Villa attempted to persuade Konsa to remain by offering a contract extension. However, Arsenal was consistently reported to be providing better compensation.
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If Wyness’s insights hold true, Arsenal and Villa may be on track to reach a compromise around £50m. Ornstein’s report suggests that a resolution could soon be within reach.
The transfer would address a key defensive need for Mikel Arteta as he manages the absence of William Saliba and would enable Villa to capitalize on a 28-year-old player with two years remaining on his contract.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the valuation gap reducing after ownership-level talks, according to a report.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with work advancing between the two clubs to finalise the move.
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Ornstein writes that dialogue has taken place at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap for the defender, with Konsa returning from his post-World Cup holiday on Monday.
So far this summer, Arsenal have often made moves for players immediately after the conclusion of their holidays, and this appears to be no exception.
The Gunners finalised their move for Bruno Guimaraes immediately after he returned to Newcastle United, and they made their push for Vinicius Junior as he returned to Real Madrid – only to see the winger renew.
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
There had been rumblings of Arsenal’s pursuit of Konsa ramping up in the last 24 hours, with former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness telling Football Insider that he’d heard personal terms had been agreed and it looked like a fee soon would be as well.
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“I do expect the deal to get done with Arsenal,” Wyness said. “I think they’re going to get to somewhere near £50m plus add-ons; I think that will be what we’re expecting to do.
“I heard this morning from one of my Villa friends that the personal terms had been agreed. So it’s moving that way now; the clubs have got to find a way forward.”
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
Arsenal’s move for Konsa had faced difficulties over the two clubs’ valuations of the player, with Villa wanting £60m, and the Gunners preferring to pay up to £40m.
With talks stalling, Villa had made an effort to try and convince the player to stay and sign a contract extension. But Arsenal were always reportedly offering better wages.
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If Wyness is right, it looks like Arsenal and Villa may now be ready to meet in the middle at around £50m. Ornstein is certainly suggesting a compromise now appears possible.
The deal would see Mikel Arteta fix a problem position in William Saliba’s absence, and it would allow Villa to cash in on a 28-year-old with two years left on his deal.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
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