‘Chelsea turn attention to signing exceptional Ezri Konsa’
Chelsea have set their sights on signing Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa as Enzo Maresca is keen to strengthen his defensive unit this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is near the top of the Blues’ list of targets.
Scouts have been keeping an eye on his performances at Villa Park and there is now a belief he could be part of a major defensive overhaul at Stamford Bridge.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February that Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back as a priority ahead of the summer window.
Villa, meanwhile, may be open to a number of key players’ departures this season amid fresh concerns about their profit and sustainability situation.
Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Villa are prepared to sell key players this summer, with the likes of Ollie Watkins attracting interest.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Chelsea want to sign “the next John Terry” to help establish some stability and strengthen their squad.
The former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted it would not be a surprise if Konsa was the one they went for.
“Chelsea certainly view Ezri Konsa as an option,” he told Football Insider.
“He has progressed his game further in the last couple of years than I ever thought he would.
“I still think he makes some mistakes, but he’s done an exceptional job to make himself a regular both for Aston Villa and recently for England.
“He’s made the very best of the assets he has got.
“Chelsea have got a problem at centre-back and they’re prepared to bring somebody in.
“That’s going to be one of their priorities in the transfer window.
“They need a solid option at the back who is going to give them consistent performances, and they’ve been looking at Konsa on a number of occasions.
“So it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see them make a move for him.”
Christopher Nkunku update emerges at Stamford Bridge
Ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer for Chelsea and Maresca, a number of players have been linked with both incoming and outgoing moves.
Football Insider revealed on 11 May that Christopher Nkunku is certain to leave Chelsea this summer and is likely to be a target for Arsenal.
Sources say the forward will push for a move away from Stamford Bridge after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Nkunku could return to the Bundesliga as Man United are no longer interested in his services.
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