Arsenal eyeing England star Ezri Konsa as Atletico Madrid turn down request

Arsenal target Ezri Konsa was one of England's standout performers at this summer's FIFA World Cup -Credit:NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa remains Arsenal's primary defensive target as the summer transfer window enters its final stretch. Currently, a significant gap exists between what the Gunners are willing to spend on the 28-year-old and Villa's firm £60 million ($80.9 million) valuation of the versatile center-back, who is equally capable of playing at right-back. The Premier League champions are understood to have made a verbal approach for Konsa earlier in the window, around the same time as their interest in Morgan Rogers, which came to nothing. However, they have since renewed contact and are reportedly willing to go as high as £40 million ($54 million), according to football.london. Even so, that figure falls well short of Villa's asking price, and the Birmingham club are not actively seeking to offload him. -Credit:Naomi Baker, Getty Images Arsenal never entirely ruled out a move, as Konsa checks several key boxes for manager Mikel Arteta. The defender is rapidly approaching his prime, boasts considerable experience having competed at his second major international tournament with England, poses a threat at both ends of the field, and, crucially, qualifies as a homegrown player. The Villa defensive cornerstone is a native of Newham in East London and would reportedly welcome a move to Arsenal, despite having been a boyhood Tottenham Hotspur fan. He is unlikely to push for a move given his attachment to Villa, but he has received a new contract proposal from Unai Emery's team - his current deal runs for another two years - which remains unsigned, suggesting he is weighing his alternatives. Villa are not believed to be under financial strain to sell following the departures of Rogers and Youri Tielemans, and there is resistance to further depleting their roster this close to a new Premier League campaign. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE Nevertheless, this situation appears far from resolved as Arsenal's pursuit remains active, with the club working diligently to strengthen their defensive options. Should they be prepared to narrow the valuation gap and increase their bid, developments could follow. The UEFA Europa League winners recognize that finding a replacement with Konsa's caliber, adaptability, and leadership qualities in today's market would prove extremely difficult. That's why they remain committed to retaining him for the time being, even without progress in contract negotiations. Konsa, Ollie Watkins, and Emi Martinez were absent from Villa's Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain as Emery insists his FIFA World Cup participants need a complete four-week rest period. Upon Konsa's return, private conversations regarding his future will inevitably take place, and every player has a price. The challenge for Villa is Arsenal's limited backup targets. The Gunners are also interested in Spain international Marc Pubill, but Atletico Madrid acquired him just last summer from Almeria and are unwilling to let him go. Arsenal are understood to have reached out to Atletico to explore the possibility of a transfer, but received a firm rejection, forcing the Premier League giants back to square one. -Credit:Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto, Getty Images Como 1907's Jacobo Ramon has also attracted interest, but Real Madrid retain control over the player's future and are entitled to 50 percent of any transfer fee. Ramon is also predominantly a center-back, while Arsenal are keen to recruit someone capable of operating in both positions. Jules Kounde represents another option in the mix. Arsenal are not firmly committed to a move, but should Barcelona make him available this summer, he would almost certainly be on their radar. The Frenchman is vastly experienced, capable of excelling in both roles, and has consistently demonstrated his quality at one of the world's elite clubs. Kounde's agents were reportedly in Catalonia earlier this week for discussions with Barca officials, and there is a feeling that some form of movement could still materialize. The former Sevilla man said on record earlier this summer that he wanted to stay at Barcelona, yet the Spanish club aren't afraid to make erratic changes even though some financial balancing needs to be done. • Roberto De Zerbi opens up on Cristian Romero and Djed Spence's Tottenham exits • Ruben Amorim delivers verdict on Christian Pulisic as USMNT star continues injury rehab With Ronald Araujo (loaned to Liverpool), Robert Lewandowski (joined Chicago Fire), Marcus Rashford (loan ended), and potentially Ferran Torres (advanced talks with PSG) all having departed, questions remain over how much further reshaping is necessary. Young right-back Hector Fort is also attracting attention from Borussia Dortmund. Similarly, should Kounde determine he's receptive to a fresh challenge, particularly in the Premier League, it represents the type of transaction that would benefit everyone involved. He's definitely worth monitoring closely. In other news, Marli Salmon won't be going anywhere. He hasn't been deployed at right-back throughout pre-season and appears to be regarded as someone who can offer depth and rivalry at right centre-back. He'll have a more regular presence in the first-team conversation this campaign.