Arsenal have continued shaping their squad after winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
The Gunners finished last season with 85 points and also reached the Champions League final.
However, Paris Saint-Germain denied them a continental double after winning the final on penalties.
Arsenal have already spent heavily this summer under sporting director Andrea Berta.
Bruno Guimaraes arrived from Newcastle United for £75 million, while Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis also joined.
However, Mikel Arteta still wants to strengthen his defence before the new campaign begins.
William Saliba aggravated a back injury during the World Cup with France and could miss several months.
As a result, Arsenal have stepped up their search for another defender.
According to The Sun, Arsenal have held fresh talks over a move for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, who remains Arteta’s preferred defensive target.
Aston Villa value the England international at £60 million. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal indicated that they valued him at around half that figure.
However, Villa have no plans to lower their asking price despite Arsenal renewing their interest.
Konsa has two years remaining on his current contract and has not yet agreed an extension.
The 28-year-old missed Aston Villa’s Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after receiving an extended break following the World Cup.
Villa also want to keep Konsa after already raising more than £150 million from major player sales this summer.
The club sold Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, making another high-profile departure less appealing.
However, Arsenal continue to explore alternatives while negotiations remain difficult.
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde and Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill have also attracted interest from the Gunners.
For now, Konsa remains Arsenal’s leading defensive target, but Villa’s £60 million valuation represents a major obstacle to any agreement.
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