Adarabioyo Considered as Replacement for Arsenal Bound Konsa

Aston Villa have identified Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo as a potential replacement for Ezri Konsa, who is set to join Premier League leaders Arsenal in the near future, according to Sky Sports UK. The Gunners have secured a £51 million deal with add-ons to sign Konsa, who will undergo a medical examination today. Adarabioyo is among the candidates Arsenal is considering to replace Konsa, who was a crucial player for England during the 2026 World Cup, participating in all eight matches and netting one goal.

Chelsea has decided to reduce their squad size and sees Adarabioyo as surplus to requirements, despite his crucial role during pre-season. Earlier this week, BBC Sport reported that Arsenal had resumed talks with Villa over a potential deal for Konsa, but failed to reach an agreement. The club then allegedly shifted their focus to Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah.

However, Arsenal has now returned their attention to Konsa and has finalized a contract with Villa. The 28-year-old, who joined Aston Villa in July 2019, has made 286 appearances across seven seasons. Konsa featured 48 times last season in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist as his side triumphed in the Europa League and secured a top-four finish in the Premier League, ensuring a return to the Champions League for the 2026-27 season.

Konsa has not played a single minute for Aston Villa during their pre-season campaign, including the 2-1 loss to Paris St-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, after Emery granted him four weeks off following the World Cup.