Exit likely: Aston Villa make decision that could impact Arsenal’s transfer plans

Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to sell Emiliano Martinez this summer so that they have a better chance of keeping hold of Arsenal target Ezri Konsa.

Both are key players for Villa, and it would undoubtedly be a blow for Unai Emery to see yet another big name leaving the club after already having to sell Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United this summer.

Still, it seems Villa have decided that it could be worth parting ways with Martinez if it helps them enough financially so that they can reject all interest in Konsa, according to Football Insider.

Konsa has been linked several times with Arsenal, including most recently by the Daily Mail, who state that the Gunners could make a new bid for the England international.

Aston Villa doing what they can to keep Ezri Konsa

It seems clear that Villa have made keeping hold of Konsa a priority, and that’s probably a good move at this point.

Martinez has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League in recent times and wouldn’t be easy to replace, but he’s also 33 years of age now, so there might not be too many other opportunities to cash in on him again.

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Konsa, meanwhile, is at the peak of his game at the moment, and could be harder to replace if he does end up going somewhere like Arsenal.

This sounds like bad news for Mikel Arteta and co., however, with William Saliba’s injury leaving the team a bit short of options at the back.

Konsa himself might do well to consider sticking with AVFC for a bit longer, though, as he’s perhaps unlikely to be a long-term starter at Arsenal, who would surely bring Saliba straight back into the team upon his return to fitness.

It’s also hard to see Gabriel Magalhaes losing his place any time soon, so Konsa might be well advised to stay where he is in order to play regularly and have the chance to keep his place in the England squad.