Watkins, Asensio react to Konsa’s ‘last’ message amid Aston Villa to Chelsea links
Ezri Konsa caught the attention of his Aston Villa teammates on social media as rumours swirl around the defender’s future at Villa Park.
The England international has become an integral part of Unai Emery’s plans, either at centre-back or right-back, starting 32 of 37 Premier League matches, and missing just one game in the Champions League.
As a result, Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea have set their sights on Konsa ahead of the summer transfer window, moving him near the top of their list of defensive targets.
Emery is likely to lose both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio during the summer transfer windows, returning to their respective parent clubs after a six-month loan, but they might not be the only exits.
If this is to be Konsa’s final campaign with the Villans, he went out in style at Villa Park on Friday, 16 May, as the defender opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the penultimate game of the season.
Ezri Konsa celebrates opening goal versus Tottenham
Taking to Instagram (16 May), Konsa wrote: “Onto the last day of the season at Old Trafford. All together,” fielding likes from Asensio, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, and Tyrone Mings.
Emi Martinez, who is expected to leave Villa this summer, replied with two heart emojis, while Lucas Digne commented with fire emojis following another huge display at Villa Park.
Unai Emery to plan summer rebuild at Aston Villa
Football Insider verdict
With a permanent move for Rashford becoming more and more difficult for Villa, the manager is set to lose two of his most creative players this summer, not just his standout defender.
The first-choice goalkeeper is also expected to leave once the summer transfer window opens, and with PSR restrictions always looming over Villa Park, it might be a difficult rebuild for the Spaniard.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Ezri Konsa | 237 | 10 | 3 |
Qualifying for the Champions League this season, however, could help with the Villans’ financial situation heading into the summer, which should help bulk up the squad for next season.
Ollie Watkins leaving Villa would be a humungous blow, with the striker position often the hardest to replace, and Emery has a lot of making up to do after dropping him for Rashford multiple times.
With one game remaining – a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 May – any transfers will be put on hold as preparations continue at the training ground, but clubs are beginning to circle at Villa Park.