Ezri Konsa Undergoes Medical Ahead of Arsenal Move Worth Over £50 Million
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is set to undergo a medical examination with Arsenal on Thursday, paving the way for a transfer valued at over £50 million to the Emirates Stadium. The two clubs reached an agreement on the deal on Wednesday following extensive negotiations.
Konsa has received clearance to travel to north London, where he is expected to finalize the move. BBC Sport reported last week that Arsenal had reinitiated discussions regarding Konsa but initially struggled to settle on terms. Following this, Arsenal briefly shifted focus towards Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah before returning to pursue Konsa more aggressively.
The 28-year-old defender originally joined Aston Villa in July 2019 and has since made 286 appearances across seven seasons. Last season, he participated in 48 matches, contributing two goals and one assist, as Unai Emery’s team lifted the Europa League trophy and secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, which qualifies them for Champions League football in the 2026-27 season.
Konsa did not take part in any of Aston Villa’s pre-season fixtures, including their recent 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, as Emery permitted him four weeks off following his involvement in the World Cup, where he played every match for England, who finished in third place.
After a friendly match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Emery addressed the media regarding Konsa’s absence, along with players Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, stating that they would join the team after that particular match.
As changes loom on the horizon, Aston Villa’s squad could see significant transformation. Despite winning the Europa League and qualifying for Champions League football, the club has faced challenges that have led to key departures, including Morgan Rogers, who was sold to Chelsea for a record £117 million. Additionally, Youri Tielemans was transferred to Manchester United after also scoring in the Europa League final.
Aston Villa has allowed Lucas Digne to leave for Paris Saint-Germain, with Matteo Ruggeri taking over his position in a bid to reshape their left-back roster. However, uncertainty hangs over the club just days before the season opener against Brighton, especially with the potential departure of goalkeeper Martinez.
Despite anticipation of squad changes, there is concern that Villa may experience a level of upheaval typically seen over multiple transfer windows. Despite the ongoing situation, club captain John McGinn expressed confidence in the team’s resilience, affirming that they maintain the core values that contributed to their success, even after the Super Cup loss against PSG. As the transfer window nears its end, Villa faces a pivotal two weeks ahead.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa will have a medical with Arsenal on Thursday before a £50m-plus move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal agreed a deal with Aston Villa for the England international on Wednesday following weeks of negotiations.
Advertisement
The centre-back has now been given permission to travel to north London.
BBC Sport revealed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks with Villa over a deal for Konsa but still fell short of reaching an agreement.
The Gunners then appeared to pivot towards Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah before successfully refocusing their efforts on Konsa.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Villans in July 2019, has made 286 appearances over the past seven seasons.
Konsa featured 48 times last term in all competitions, scoring two goals and contributing one assist, as Unai Emery’s side lifted the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for 2026-27.
Advertisement
Konsa has not featured at all during Aston Villa’s pre‑season, including the 2‑1 defeat to Paris St‑Germain in the Uefa Super Cup, after Emery gave him four weeks off following the World Cup.
He played in every game of England’s World Cup run as the Three Lions finished third.
Speaking after the final warm‑up match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Emery explained the absence of Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, saying: “They are joining us after this match.”
Analysis: Changes were expected, but Villa’s squad could be transformed
Usually, winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League would leave a club in a position of strength.
Advertisement
However, Villa have been picked apart this summer to become a victim of the system they have been vocal against.
Ensuring they comply with Uefa and the Premier League’s financial rules led them to sell Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a record £117m.
Even then, Youri Tielemans – who like Rogers scored in May’s Europa League final win over Freiburg – was also sold to Manchester United.
Villa wanted to alter their left-back profile so Lucas Digne was allowed to join Paris St-Germain, with Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri replacing him.
Now, though, there is still huge uncertainty over Villa’s squad just days before they start the season at Brighton.
Advertisement
Villa face the prospect of losing the core of their squad by the end of the month with goalkeeper Martinez also set to leave.
Changes were expected, with an anticipation the squad would start to break up this summer – but Villa could undergo a transformation which would normally happen over two or three windows.
Skipper John McGinn was defiant last week when asked about changes, saying they still have the same structures and values which made them a success, and Villa still played well despite losing to PSG in the Super Cup.
But doubts over the squad remain.
Boss Emery squeezed everything he could out of them over the past two years and now Villa face a crucial two weeks before the end of the transfer window.
[/gpt3]