Arsenal had ‘disgraceful’ offer for Premier League star instantly rejected as transfer decision looms

Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Ezri Konsa, but their initial offer fell way below his true valuation.

That’s the view of Gabby Agbonlahor, who outlined how much Aston Villa will want for the defender this summer.

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Konsa is understood to be the leading centre-back target for Premier League holders Arsenal amid injuries in the position.

William Saliba is out for an ‘extended period’ with a back issue that he picked up at the World Cup, whilst Jurrien Timber is still recovering from a groin injury.

It leaves Gabriel, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera as their only options, though left-back Riccardo Calafiori can play at centre-back if needed.

Arsenal have made Konsa a target after his impressive performances for England at the World Cup, but appear to be far away from a deal.

How much did Arsenal offer for Konsa?

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs gave an update on the potential move during Breakfast and confirmed that the Gunners are real suitors for Konsa.

“I’m keen to know what Gabby thinks because Villa have already been desecrated. There’s no release clause as per Lucas Digne (£6million to Paris Saint-Germain and Youri Tielemans (£35m to Manchester United).

“But Arsenal are serious, despite links with Cristian Romero. He’s off to Atletico Madrid, €40million (£34m).

“And Arsenal have actually already made a verbal offer, but this was a few weeks back and there was a huge gulf in valuation. My information is that Arsenal’s valuation was in and around £35million…”

“Pardon?” a shocked Agbonlahor interjected before Jacobs continued: “And Aston Villa are looking for £60million, £65million and maybe, in this inflated market, even more…

“But ultimately, if you think about Arsenal, they’ll be looking at some other defenders that have gone maybe outside the Premier League.

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“If you look at the Villa perspective – one, they don’t want to sell, two, Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton to Tottenham Hotspur), £52million, Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace to Chelsea), £52million.

“Ezri Konsa, England international, should ultimately be more, so it’s just whether Arsenal are prepared to, effectively in their eyes, overpay.

“Whereas, Villa would say £60million, £65million. In this market, that’s still decent value for money.”

Agbonlahor then offered a Villa perspective as he explained: “I get it though, Ben, because he’s got two years left.

“I’ve said it many times, his performances in the World Cup, his performances since his first day at Aston Villa… he’ll be looking at (Marc) Guehi next to him, ‘What’s he earning at Manchester City?’

“Aston Villa can’t get to those levels of £250k-a-week, maybe £300k-a-week, whatever he’s earning, Guehi. He deserves that money.

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“But Aston Villa will also say, ‘Listen, we can’t give you that money, but we need at least £65million, £70million’. £35million is a disgrace of an offer. If he had a year left, I’d get it, but not with two years left.”

Jacobs then said: “By the way, when they made that offer, that was the perspective of Aston Villa. It was dismissed out of hand.

“So Arsenal are now coming back off the back of those talks, off the back of that gulf in valuation, and they have to decide whether they’re going to significantly improve their offer

“And if they do, I think there’s a fair chance it might happen. Jacobo Ramon at Como is another possibility, but Arsenal want to add a centre-back between now and the end of the window.”

Konsa has made 286 appearances for Villa across all competitions and won the Europa League with them last season.

Formerly of Charlton Athletic and Brentford, a move to Arsenal would see him return to his birthplace of London.