Ezri Konsa’s move from Aston Villa to Arsenal is now effectively a done deal, according to widespread reports, leaving Unai Emery with a major hole to fill at the back.

Arsenal have agreed a package worth around £51 million for the England defender, while personal terms are also understood to be in place.

A medical has been booked and only the final formalities appear to stand between Konsa and his unveiling in north London.

It is a painful exit for Villa, even if the fee represents a sizeable return on the man they signed from Brentford in 2019.

Konsa has developed into one of Emery’s most dependable players and was a major part of the side that won the Europa League last season and secured a fourth-placed Premier League finish.

His pace, calmness and ability to operate at right back as well as in central defence made him particularly valuable, with Konsa also winning the most ground duels via percentage of any centre-back in the top flight last season.

Those qualities also explain why Arsenal moved for him after injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber left Mikel Arteta needing another proven option.

Villa have already been forced to absorb major change this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne all departing, while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, left-back Matteo Ruggeri, midfielder Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have arrived.

Konsa’s sale now changes the priority list.

Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelöf give Emery experienced centre-back options, but losing a defender who understood Villa’s system and could cover two positions creates a glaring weakness.

With Champions League football returning to Villa Park, replacing him cannot become a late panic job.

There is little room for a long settling-in period after such a disruptive summer at Villa Park, and the next arrival could define whether that difficult defensive transition is handled smoothly.

That search has now led Villa towards Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa eyeing Tosin Adarabioyo to replace Ezri Konsa

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas reports that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is one of the players under consideration as a possible replacement for Konsa.

There is no suggestion yet that Villa have submitted an offer or opened talks, but the 28-year-old is proven in the Premier League following productive spells with Fulham and Chelsea, while his 6 ft 6in frame would add serious presence to Emery’s defence.

He also came through Man City’s academy, where defenders are expected to be comfortable receiving the ball and building attacks from deep, and he possesses both of those valuable traits.

Tosin also made eight senior appearances for the Sky Blues before departing.

Tosin joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2024 and remains under contract until 2028, so the Blues are under no pressure to sell cheaply.

Competition for places in Xabi Alonso’s squad is fierce, particularly at centre-half, but Villa would still need to discover whether Chelsea are prepared to negotiate.

Tosin would not be an exact copy of Konsa, particularly when covering right back, but he offers top flight experience, physical strength and the composure Emery demands.