Arsenal prepare bid for Ezri Konsa – with England defender yet to agree new deal at Aston Villa

Arsenal are preparing an offer for England defender Ezri Konsa, who has yet to agree a new deal with Aston Villa.The England centre-back is currently preparing for Saturday’s third place play-off at the World Cup, following the defeat to Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday.Konsa has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park and has been open to discussing a new one. But Daily Mail Sport understands that so far no agreement has been reached, with Konsa looking to be one of Villa’s top earners alongside goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. At this stage, Konsa is thought to be keeping an open mind on his future.Daily Mail Sport previously reported Arsenal’s interest in the defender earlier this month. Villa are relatively restricted in what they can do in the transfer market this summer after breaking UEFA spending rules.That means, broadly, that any player they sign must be offset by a sale, although they are allowed to lose up to £52m in wage and transfer spending over the next two years. Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa is wanted by Arsenal this summerVilla have already allowed midfielder Youri Tielemans to join Manchester United for £35m, while defender Lucas Digne will move to Paris Saint-Germain after the World Cup.Villa are working on deals for Swiss star Johan Manzambi, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes and Bayern Munich holding player Joao Palhinha, as well as AC Milan defender Pervis Estupinan.Morgan Rogers remains a target for Arsenal though at this stage Villa are unwilling to consider offers unless they are well in excess of £100m. Rogers signed a new contract with Villa only last year.Arsenal know centre half William Saliba is likely to face an extended spell on the sidelines, having injured his back at the World Cup with France.