Updated: 5 Aug 2026 15:00 BST |
4 min read
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Arsenal want to follow up the signing of Bruno Guimaraes by making a fresh attempt to land Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa, according to the Daily Mail.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Wednesday that Arsenal are set to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle United for €87million (£75m).
It brings an end to what has been one of the transfer sagas of the summer, with the two clubs have finally come to a compromise on the fee.
Guimaraes was clear in his desire to join the Gunners but was forced to wait while they thrashed out a deal with managerless Newcastle.
The Brazil midfielder is now poised to complete his move to the Emirates Stadium, with the 28-year-old set to undergo a medical this week.
And Arsenal are already planning their next move, with the Mail claiming a new bid is being prepared for England defender Konsa.
The Mail’s Tom Collomosse understands Mikel Arteta’s side previously failed with an offer that was below Villa’s €70m (£60m) valuation.
Villa are keen to keep hold of Konsa and are in discussions over extending his contract, which expires in the summer of 2028.
Collomosse claims Unai Emery’s men have no pressure to sell Konsa, having recouped more than €163m (£140m) for Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.
Arsenal keen on Konsa with Saliba on the sidelines
Arsenal’s interest in Konsa comes after William Saliba was ruled out for an “extended period” in July. The 25-year-old exacerbated a pre-existing back injury in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to eventual champions Spain.
Meanwhile Konsa has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest central defenders with Villa.
The former Brentford man played a key role in helping the Villans win the Europa League last season – the club’s first European silverware since 1982.
Konsa, who can operate as a centre-back and a right-back, has made 286 appearances in all competitions for the Villa Park club, scoring 12 goals.
“That’s what I’m talking about” 👊
Reece James and Ezri Konsa embrace after England’s victory 🫂 pic.twitter.com/CYSAYyuzU9
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2026
He has also earned 28 caps for England and helped the Three Lions record their best finish at a World Cup since 1966 with victory over France in this summer’s bronze final.
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