Ezri Konsa: Why Arsenal transfer target is not in Aston Villa squad for PSG clash | OneFootball

Aston Villa defender is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of transfer Deadline Day

Villa take on PSG in a meeting between last season’s Europa League and Champions League winners at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on Wednesday night.

Though, Villa’s hopes of lifting a second European trophy in the space of three months have been hit as Konsa is unavailable for selection along with Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins.

While all three players have been linked with moves away from Villa Park this summer, Emery insists the trio’s absences are not transfer related, rather being given extra time off following the World Cup.

“Of course, if they were here, maybe we will have many more chances, but at the same time, I think PSG will be in same situation as us.

Ezri Konsa went all the way to the bronze final with England at the World Cup

Getty

Konsa is of interest to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta hopes to sign defensive cover before the transfer window closes, particularly with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined.

However, Villa's price tag of £60million is proving to be an issue as it does not match Arsenal's valuation of the England international.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has also been linked as a surprise target, but the Argentine is expected to join Atletico Madrid instead as Spurs are not willing to do business with their north London rivals.

Discussing Arsenal’s transfer plans following the 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, Arteta said fans can expect further signings this summer

"Well that's what we're trying to do,” he told reporters.

"If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that."