Liverpool could challenge Arsenal for the signing of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to recent reports. This interest emerges as Arsenal seeks defensive solutions, particularly with injuries to players such as William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Ben White.
Konsa, an England international, is reportedly valued by Aston Villa at a minimum of £60m. Reports indicate that Villa is growing concerned about the possibility of losing the defender.
Interest from Premier League clubs
Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, had an initial bid for Konsa rebuffed last month. However, they are reportedly preparing a new offer. The previous offer was believed to be significantly less than Villa’s £60m valuation, which reportedly did not sit well with Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris.
Liverpool‘s interest in Konsa aligns with their search for defensive reinforcements. Andoni Iraola, associated with Liverpool, is reportedly seeking solutions for injury concerns within the squad. Konsa‘s versatility, being capable of playing both as a central defender and a right-back, makes him an appealing option for clubs.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ezri Konsa has become a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal. His strong performances for Aston Villa and England have contributed to his valuation.
Other transfer market activities
In other transfer news, Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to observe Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias, who scored a hat-trick. Mohamed Salah is set to earn €17m (approximately £14.5m) per season after signing a two-year deal with Trabzonspor, a record for the Turkish league. This deal also includes a 20 per cent share of revenue from merchandise sales bearing his name.
Manchester United players Joshua Zirkzee and Altay Bayindir are reportedly close to joining Juventus and Celta Vigo, respectively. Ethan Nwaneri, an Arsenal midfielder who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Marseille, is being monitored by RB Leipzig.
Marcus Rashford could receive an additional £4m if he remains at Manchester United, due to a contract clause activated by the club’s return to the Champions League. Meanwhile, Chris Smalling reportedly wishes to conclude his career in England after his release from Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha.
Liverpool is also reportedly considering Real Madrid centre-back Raúl Asencio, who is said to be available for transfer. Additionally, teenage Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye is on Andoni Iraola’s radar and is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield. Mbaye is said to have scored a notable goal for Senegal against France at the World Cup.
Everton is reportedly interested in Celtic and Canada full-back Alistair Johnston, who is said to be open to a move to the Premier League. Middlesbrough is poised to acquire goalkeeper Radek Vitek from Manchester United in a £14m deal, which includes a 35% sell-on clause for United. Vitek spent last season on loan at Bristol City, making 41 appearances.
International and league developments
UEFA plans to commission an independent valuation of FIFA’s World Cup sale plans due to concerns that Gianni Infantino agreed to sell the tournament’s future profits to a private equity firm at a rate below market value. In women’s football, Brazil forward Kerolin did not report for pre-season training at Manchester City in July before her transfer to Barcelona was finalised.
London has submitted its bid to host the World Athletics Championships in September 2029, having resolved issues with West Ham United regarding stadium access and potential fixture disruptions.
Source: skysports.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
