Top three players Aston Villa can target to replace Arsenal-bound Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa is nearing a move to the Premier League champions.
Aston Villa’s long-serving defender Ezri Konsa has (almost) sealed a transfer to Arsenal for an initial fee of £51 million. It can rise further with add-ons. The England international is expected to complete a medical with the Premier League champions on Thursday before his official unveiling.
Konsa’s signature is a big move for the Gunners, who will be without influential defender William Saliba due to a long-term injury. Konsa is capable of playing as both a centre-back and a right-back, making him a versatile option at the back.
However, his biggest strength is his ball-carrying attributes. Konsa had the best pass accuracy in the league last season. He is extremely comfortable on the ball and is capable of starting attacks from the back, making him a perfect player for Mikel Arteta’s system.
For Aston Villa, however, losing one of their most important players towards the end of the summer transfer window is a massive blow. Konsa has been an invaluable player since joining from Brentford in 2019. He made 48 appearances across all competitions last season.
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Three possible Ezri Konsa replacements for Aston Villa
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| Sl. No. | Player | Club |
| 1 | Tosin Adarabioyo | Chelsea |
| 2 | Fikayo Tomori | AC Milan |
| 3 | Kim Min-jae | Bayern Munich |
1. Tosin Adarabioyo
Multiple media reports from England claimed that Chelsea outcast Tosin Adarabioyo is interested in a move to Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender saw his squad number changed ahead of the season. He is training with members of the “bomb squad” who are told that they can leave.
With less than two years left on his contract, Tosin is keen on a move to a Premier League club. Villa are the frontrunner, reported Sky Sports insider Lyall Thomas.
2. Fikayo Tomori
AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori is another player high on Villa’s transfer plans, reported by talkSPORT. The England international has entered the final year of his Rossoneri contract. He would be available for €10-15 million.
The player himself is keen on a return to the Premier League and would prioritise playing at Villa, reported by Gazzetta.it. This is a transfer that would suit all parties involved. Milan are also looking to move on from Tomori’s wages.
3. Kim Min-jae
Unai Emery’s side reportedly approached Bayern Munich for a possible transfer of Kim Min-jae. The Premier League side have been interested in him “for weeks.” The 29-year-old South Korean international is not a guaranteed starter for Die Roten.
Bayern have quoted a price between €20 million and €30 million. However, Kim himself reportedly rejected both Villa and Nottingham Forest. Although his decision could change in the coming days.
Is Ezri Konsa leaving Aston Villa?
Yes. Konsa has reportedly sealed a move to Arsenal for an initial £51m fee, ending his seven-season spell at Villa.
Who can Aston Villa sign to replace Ezri Konsa?
Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo has been strongly linked with a move to Villa as a replacement for Konsa.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.