Ezri Konsa is set to depart Aston Villa for Arsenal (Photo: Getty) Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race for a Chelsea star as they look to replace Ezri Konsa ahead of his transfer to Arsenal. Two days before the start of new Premier League season, it was reported that the Gunners had struck a deal to sign the England international for an initial £51million. Konsa, a centre-back also capable of playing on the right, had emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top defensive target in light of injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. While a boost for Arsenal, it is yet another massive transfer blow for Villa who have seen the core of their team ripped apart this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne departing. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. It could yet get worse for Unai Emery, with Emiliano Martinez almost certain to leave, while Ollie Watkins is keen on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. For now, Villa’s focus is on replacing Konsa and, according to Sky Sports, they are interested in Tosin Adarabioyo, who is surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Tosin joined the Blues in 2024, moving across west London from Fulham on a free transfer, but has failed to establish himself in the first-team, making just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season. Tosin Adarabioyo is no longer wanted at Stamford Bridge (Photo: Getty) While he has featured in pre-season under Xabi Alonso, he was left out of the squad entirely for the final friendly against Real Sociedad last week, a clear indication he is not wanted at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old has been the subject of interest from Benfica, now managed by his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, but reports suggest he is not keen on the move. Marseille and Sevilla are also interested in the Englishman, and the French club have already made an approach for the Manchester City academy graduate. Tosin won the Club World Cup and Conference League with Chelsea (Photo: Getty) It is not known how much Chelsea would want for Tosin, who has two years left on his contract. He is not the only centre-back the Blues are trying to offload before deadline day, with Mamadou Sarr, Aarón Anselmino and Axel Disasi, who was previously loaned to Villa Park, on the transfer list. Villa kick-off their Premier League campaign away to Brighton on Sunday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
