Ezri Konsa is at the centre of a summer chase that has Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in the reporting around the defender. Aston Villa have already had a bid rejected, made contact over the player and are expected to return with another one. The price is the obvious obstacle, with Villa said to want £60million. There is also reporting that they may be willing to lose Emiliano Martínez if it helps them keep Konsa.

Villa's valuation and the Martinez angle

The scale of Villa's stance is the first thing that shapes this story. Konsa has 8 appearances in 2026 and a 6.71 rating across them, so this is not a fringe player being priced for convenience. Villa finished 4th in the 2025 Premier League table, which fits the way they appear to be treating him, as someone they would rather keep than cash in on cheaply.

That explains why the Martinez detail matters. If Villa really are prepared to sacrifice one sale to protect another, it tells you where they think the value sits inside the squad. M. Martinez is the easier name to move in that logic, while Konsa is the one they are pushing harder to retain.

Arsenal and Liverpool in the race

Fabrizio Romano said Arsenal "will be busy for sure" and added: "[There is] Still [a] long [time to go]. I think both clubs will be keen on defenders, so there will be movements from now [until] the end of the window."

That lines up with the current reading of the race. Arsenal's interest is being pushed hardest, Liverpool remain in the picture, and the reporting does not suggest this has become a closed case for either club. Arsenal finished 1st in the 2025 Premier League table, Liverpool finished 5th, and both are shopping in the same market for the same kind of upgrade.

The important part is that Villa have already shown they are not eager sellers. A rejected bid is one thing, but a £60million asking price and talk of selling Martinez instead gives the club a clear message: Konsa is the player they are trying hardest to keep. The next moves in the window should tell us whether Arsenal are willing to meet that number or force Villa into the wider reshuffle.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 6 outlets. How we work →