Aston Villa's Defensive Crisis: Replacing Ezri Konsa

Unai Emery is watching the clock.

A summer that was supposed to be about consolidating Aston Villa’s Champions League status has instead turned into a scramble to rebuild a defence stripped of its core. The biggest blow? Ezri Konsa, gone to Arsenal on a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, walking out of Villa Park after a long and loyal stint.

Konsa’s move, reported as agreed with the Premier League champions, rips out a pillar of Emery’s backline. The 28-year-old made 286 appearances for Villa, grew with the club through its resurgence, and became a symbol of their rise. But the chance to join Mikel Arteta’s title-winning machine was simply too big to resist.

Arteta, battling injury concerns around William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, has been clear about his intent to “improve and evolve the squad.” Konsa fits that mantra perfectly: versatile, composed, and able to operate across the back four. For Arsenal, it’s a statement signing. For Villa, it’s a gaping hole.

And that hole comes on top of others. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne – all gone. The spine of a Champions League-chasing side has been dismantled in a single window, leaving Emery and the Villa hierarchy hunting for solutions rather than fine-tuning a project.

Villa turn to Tosin amid Chelsea uncertainty

One of those solutions has a familiar Premier League profile. According to Sky Sports, Villa have set their sights on Tosin as a leading candidate to plug the Konsa-shaped gap.

On paper, it makes sense. The 28-year-old, a Manchester City academy product, arrived at Chelsea on a free from Fulham in 2024 with the pedigree to step straight into a top-level backline. The reality has been far more turbulent.

Managerial upheaval in west London has cost him rhythm and continuity. He has never nailed down a regular starting role, and the signs around Stamford Bridge now point in one direction. His shirt number has already shifted from 4 to 38, with new signing Valentin Barco inheriting the traditional centre-back number. For a player at his age and stage, that kind of symbolic demotion speaks loudly.

Then came the clearest message yet. Tosin was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad. As Xabi Alonso reshapes the Blues for the new campaign, the defender’s future looks increasingly distant from west London.

Interest is not in short supply. Marseille, Sevilla, and Benfica – managed by his former Fulham boss Marco Silva – have all been credited with admiration. The continental route is open. But the chance to stay in the Premier League, with regular football at a Champions League club in Villa, could tilt the decision.

If Villa move decisively, Tosin offers top-flight experience, aerial presence, and a ready-made solution at a time when Emery cannot afford a long bedding-in period.

Tomori on the radar as Villa weigh their options

Yet Tosin is not the only name on the Villa shortlist. Behind the scenes, another English defender sits firmly in the conversation.

AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori has emerged as an alternative target, with reports suggesting Villa have already opened preliminary talks. The England international, who rebuilt his career in Serie A, is understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League – and Villa Park, crucially, is said to be his preferred destination over other suitors.

That interest is not just about quality, but about value. Milan are believed to want a fee in the region of €10–15 million. In a market where centre-backs routinely command far higher sums, that price tag puts Tomori firmly in the “cost-effective” bracket, especially for a club already spending heavily.

Villa have committed significant funds this summer to reinforce across the pitch. Johan Manzambi, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and Joao Gomes have all arrived, tightening the squeeze on what Emery and the board can do next. Every defensive signing now has to hit the sweet spot between affordability and reliability.

So the equation is clear. Tosin, unsettled at Chelsea, offers Premier League familiarity and a potentially straightforward deal if the player pushes for a move. Tomori, thriving in Italy but open to a return, brings European experience and a realistic fee.

Emery cannot sign them both. He might not even land one without a fight.

What is certain is that time is not on Villa’s side. With Konsa gone, the Champions League on the horizon, and rivals strengthening around them, the next centre-back through the door at Villa Park will help decide whether last season was a peak – or just the start of something bigger.