Fikayo Tomori Emerges as Aston Villa Target as Ezri Konsa Nears Arsenal Move

Aston Villa are already looking at their next defensive move after Ezri Konsa's transfer to Arsenal moved closer to completion, with AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori emerging as one of the options being considered.

Arsenal have agreed a £51 million deal with Villa for Konsa, according to Sky Sports, with the 28-year-old set to move to the Premier League champions. The deal is designed to strengthen Arsenal's defence while William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined.

For Villa, however, the imminent departure creates an immediate problem — and Tomori is now among the names on Unai Emery's shortlist.

Tomori enters Villa's defensive shortlist

Tomori has emerged as a potential replacement for Konsa after spending the last several seasons at AC Milan.

The England international is reportedly available this summer, with Milan prepared to consider his departure as he enters the final year of his contract.

Aston Villa are understood to have identified him alongside Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo and Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis as possible options.

[TalkSport +1]

That means Villa are not yet committed to Tomori, but his inclusion on the shortlist makes the situation one to watch as the transfer window approaches its deadline.

Why Tomori could make sense for Emery

A return to the Premier League would offer Tomori another opportunity to establish himself in English football after his successful spell at Milan.

The 28-year-old joined Milan permanently in 2021 following an initial loan move from Chelsea and went on to win the Serie A title in 2021/22.

His experience at the highest level could be particularly valuable to Villa if Konsa leaves.

Villa are preparing for another demanding campaign following their Europa League triumph, while Emery needs sufficient depth in central defence to compete across multiple competitions.

Villa are keeping their options open

Tomori is not the only candidate.

Villa have also made an approach for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, but their initial £18m offer plus £2m in potential add-ons was rejected, with Southampton reportedly valuing him at around £30m.

[TalkSport]

Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo is another option under consideration.

That gives Emery several routes to replace Konsa rather than forcing Villa into one particular deal.

Konsa's departure changes everything

Konsa's move to Arsenal is the key piece of the puzzle.

Arsenal initially explored Jarell Quansah but ultimately chose Konsa, agreeing a deal worth £51m with Villa.

[Sky Sports]

For Arsenal, the England international provides versatility at centre-back and right-back at a time when defensive injuries have created an immediate need.

For Villa, his departure leaves a significant hole.

Tomori could now be one of the players asked to fill it.

The next few days could decide Villa's move

There is currently no agreement between Aston Villa and AC Milan for Tomori, and Villa are continuing to assess their alternatives.

However, the timing makes the defender an increasingly interesting option.

If Konsa's Arsenal move is completed as expected, Emery will need to act quickly — and Tomori's Premier League experience, availability and position on Villa's shortlist could make him a serious candidate.

For now, the situation is clear: Konsa is heading towards the Villa exit, and Tomori is one of the names Villa are considering to replace him.

Fan Debate

●⚽ Goal: Would Fikayo Tomori be a good replacement for Ezri Konsa?

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●👍 Like: Should Villa prioritise Premier League experience?

●💬 Comment: Who should Aston Villa sign to replace Konsa?