Ezri Konsa makes decision over Arsenal transfer after Aston Villa refusal

Arsenal are trying to negotiate Ezri Konsa’s £60m valuation with Aston Villa (PA Wire)

Ezri Konsa is open to joining Arsenal this summer but will not force a move away from Aston Villa, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta wants to add to his defensive options before the end of the summer transfer window due to William Saliba’s back injury and Konsa is on the Premier League champions’ shortlist.

Arsenal have already held talks with Villa over a deal for Konsa but their opening offer of £30 million was immediately rejected.

According to The Telegraph, Villa are demanding a £60m transfer fee and are refusing to lower their demands.

The report adds that Konsa ‘is thought to be open to a move’ to Arteta’s side but will not push to leave Villa Park.

Konsa’s current deal expires in 2028 and Villa have offered the England international a new contract.

Ezri Konsa will not force a move away from Aston Villa (AMA/Getty)

The 28-year-old did not travel with Villa’s squad to Salzburg for their 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup on Wednesday night as he was granted four weeks of holiday by Unai Emery following England’s World Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, Arteta admits that he is unable to promise any further signings before the transfer window closes on September 3 but insisted that the desire to strengthen his Arsenal squad is ‘unquestionable’.

‘There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,’ Arteta said after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Como on Wednesday evening.

‘But we are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we are very clear on that.