Arsenal set sights on Ezri Konsa after William Saliba injury blow | OneFootball

Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa, according to the Guardian. 

Konsa could provide cover for Saliba, who is out for an extended spell after sustaining a back injury during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain. 

Saliba had been nursing a back issue over the last few months, but he aggravated the problem during the match against Spain.

He is now expected to be sidelined for four to five months. 

This is a huge blow for Arsenal, who will now have to start the 2026-27 campaign without their first-choice centre-back. 

Manager Mikel Arteta has Cristhian Mosquera as an option, but the club are also considering signing Villa star Konsa. 

The 28-year-old is a Premier League-proven defender known for his composure under pressure, recovery speed and ball-playing ability. 

He has been a key first-team player for Villa since joining in July 2019, making 286 appearances across all competitions.

Konsa showcased his quality on the global stage for England, starting six of the seven matches for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup. 

The former Brentford star would be an excellent acquisition for Arsenal, but a move is unlikely to come cheaply. 

Villa have recently sold Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. With Konsa having two years left on his contract, they are not under any immediate pressure to sell. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.