Arsenal’s pursuit of Ezri Konsa is stalling over Aston Villa’s refusal to consider anything below their valuation, as they continue to hope the defender will sign a new contract and stay.
Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that whilst Arsenal have renewed contact with Aston Villa over Ezri Konsa, but Villa’s £60m valuation of the player is proving problematic.
Arsenal are willing to pay £40m, but that still leaves a £20m valuation gap between the two clubs.
Unai Emery is counting on Konsa sticking around for the new season, and Villa have offered him a new contract, which remains on the table. Taylor adds that Arsenal would be offering better wages, but Villa aren’t under financial pressure to sell.
On Friday morning, news broke of Arsenal’s interest in Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen, seemingly as an alternative to Konsa.
Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that Quansah talks are at an exploratory stage, but sources suggest a deal is possible. Mokbel adds that it remains to be seen whether the interest in Quansah is a tactic by the club in their pursuit of Konsa.
Mokbel also points out that Liverpool have a matching clause in Quansah’s contract, allowing them to meet any offer for the player. But Liverpool are believed to have no intention of actioning the clause.
As it stands, the Quansah deal looks a lot more realistic than the move for Konsa.
Even if the two transfers ended up being possible for roughly the same price, it seems more likely Arsenal would opt for the 23-year-old over the 28-year-old in that scenario. Konsa is unlikely to have much resale value, which makes £60m feel like a higher price to pay.
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