Arsenal have reopened talks with Aston Villa over a potential deal for Ezri Konsa, with Ben Jacobs revealing that the Gunners are once again exploring a move for the England international.

Mikel Arteta is increasingly keen to add defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, particularly after setbacks involving William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

Ben Jacobs reveals Arsenal have reignited Ezri Konsa interest

According to Ben Jacobs on X, Arsenal have returned to discussions with Aston Villa regarding Konsa after previously exploring a deal earlier in the summer.

The Gunners’ initial approach was reportedly worth around £30 million, but Villa immediately rejected the proposal.

Aston Villa have little desire to sell one of their most important defenders and are understood to value the 28-year-old significantly higher.

Jacobs reports that Arsenal would likely need to offer more than £60 million to convince Villa to reconsider their position.

That valuation represents a significant increase on Arsenal’s original proposal and could force the Gunners to make a major financial decision late in the window.

Arsenal back in talks for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, as reported on talkSPORT last week. Will require a significantly higher offer than Arsenal’s initial proposal, which was around £30m. It was dismissed out of hand at the time. Villa prefer to keep, and it is expected to take a £60m+ bid to change that.

Arsenal back in talks for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, as reported on @talkSPORT last week.

Will require a significantly higher offer than Arsenal's initial proposal, which was around £30m. It was dismissed out of hand at the time.

Villa prefer to keep, and it is expected… pic.twitter.com/SHIHYQSKq5

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 13, 2026

Arsenal need defensive reinforcements after injuries to Saliba and Timber

Mikel Arteta’s urgent pursuit of a versatile defender stems from severe injury setbacks to key men William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

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Both are set to miss the start of the new season and the pair’s absence has left Arsenal dangerously thin in central defense and at right-back, areas where Konsa excels.

Konsa’s proven Premier League experience and ability to seamlessly cover both roles make him an ideal solution for Arteta.

With opening day fast approaching, Arsenal must now decide whether to meet Villa’s steep £60m+ valuation to get their top target through the door.