Konsa looks like the kind of signing Mikel Arteta would trust quickly.
The report also points to a strong recent workload:
That matters. Arsenal are not looking for a development project if Saliba is expected to miss a significant spell. They need a defender who can step into the line immediately and cope with the rhythm of a title race.
From Villa’s point of view, the logic is obvious. Selling a key defender to a direct rival would weaken one squad while strengthening another. Even a big fee does not automatically solve that problem, especially if a replacement is not straightforward to secure.
Konsa’s profile also drives the price up. Reliable, versatile, in his prime, and already adapted to the league - those players command a premium. A figure around £60m may feel steep for Arsenal, but the market often inflates when urgency enters the conversation.
The report says Arsenal are also assessing other defensive cover options, but each route appears to carry complications. A big-name move could be politically difficult. A younger option might arrive with a longer adaptation period. That leaves Arsenal balancing cost against certainty.
If the update around Saliba remains a concern, this story is unlikely to fade quickly. With Coventry next on the calendar on 21 August, Arsenal’s next move at centre-back could become one of the early themes of their season.