Arsenal are keeping tabs on Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to the Telegraph.
The Premier League champions hold a tentative interest in the England international as they weigh up their summer options.
Any move, though, would come at a notable price. Villa are expected to value Konsa at around £60m.
That figure is more than Arsenal would ideally want to pay for a 28-year-old, leaving the Gunners reluctant to meet it.
Arsenal weigh Konsa move that could shape Rogers pursuit
Mikel Arteta is said to be the driving force behind the interest. Konsa’s versatility appeals, as he can operate at centre-back or right-back.
He is viewed as an upgrade on Ben White, who is expected to leave the Emirates this summer.
The move carries a wider significance, however. Arsenal’s interest is closely tied to their long-running pursuit of Morgan Rogers, Konsa’s Villa and England team-mate.
That saga has proved far from straightforward. Villa have placed a British-record valuation on Rogers.
The Midlands club rate the attacking midfielder at £130m, a fee that dwarfs anything Arsenal are willing to pay. They remain determined not to sell him at all.
That is where Konsa enters the equation. Should Villa hold on to Rogers, they may need to sell other assets to fund signings and stay within financial rules.
Konsa, entering the final two years of his deal, is seen as a more sellable option. His stock could hardly be higher, either.
Konsa is the only defender to have started every England game at the World Cup, forming a solid partnership with Marc Guehi.
He and Rogers now turn their attention to Sunday’s last-16 tie against Mexico.
