Ezri Konsa could still leave Aston Villa this summer despite the club’s willingness to extend the English defender’s contract.

The Villans have already rejected a bid from Arsenal for Konsa, which is thought to have fallen way short of their £60 million valuation. They are reportedly bracing for the Gunners to make a second offer for their versatile centre-back who has two years on his current deal.

Konsa played a crucial role in last season’s Europa League triumph and has developed into one of the best defenders in the Premier League since arriving at Villa Park in 2019. He remains on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, and that might explain why the Villans are keeping in contact with a Brazilian defender.

Aston Villa in Talks With Roger Ibanez

Villa have already bid farewell to Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer, and selling another high-profile star isn’t their desire. But Konsa is thought to be open to a move to the Emirates and joining the defending Premier League champions.

If Konsa moves, Unai Emery would undoubtedly need a replacement, and the West Midlands outfit could turn to Al-Ahli’s Roger Ibanez, with whom they are in ‘repeated contact’, per Sky Sport Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri.

Ibanez has put contract extension talks on hold after attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Villa. While there has been no concrete offer made yet, Emery’s transfer chiefs seem keen on the player.

The 27-year-old has just a year left on his contract, which puts Al-Ahli under pressure to cash in now if he opts not to sign a new deal. Villa could wait until January to reach an agreement with the player and sign him as a free agent next year.

That said, continued contact suggests Emery’s chiefs are plotting a move for the Brazilian this summer. He has impressed during his time in the Saudi Pro League and earned a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad, making one appearance in North America.

Ibanez May Be Ideal For Emery

Ibanez will appeal to Emery because of his versatility, as he can play in central defence, at right-back, and even in defensive midfield. He has plenty of experience, having joined Al-Ahli from AS Roma and previously spending time at Atalanta.

While out in Saudi Arabia, he has been a rock for new Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle, helping him guide the Saudi outfit to AFC Champions League glory twice. He may be tempted to head to Villa Park and play in the UEFA Champions League under Emery.

Ibanez’s performances in the Middle East have been described as “relentless”, and that’s exactly what Emery likes from his defenders. If Konsa does stay put and the Brazilian is signed, it will give the Villans one of the strongest pools of defensive talent in the English top flight.

Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Tottenham Hotspur‘s interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and explained what needs to happen for a deal to take place.

Spurs are eyeing Gakpo as an option to bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s attack and the Dutchman’s future at Anfield is uncertain. The Reds are on the lookout for a new left-winger and have been pursuing Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Gakpo has four years remaining on his contract but could depart if Barcola arrives before the summer transfer window closes in September. A move to North London is a realistic possibility and there has been contact between the Lilywhites and the player’s camp.

Tottenham Hold Talks With Gakpo’s Camp

Romano confirmed talks between both parties while delving into Gakpo’s situation on his X account. He wrote: “Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer, after approaches revealed in July.”

Gakpo has been with Liverpool since January 2023 and, in that time, has won the Premier League title and Carabao Cup. Last season, he made 52 appearances across competitions, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.

The 27-year-old came in and out of Arne Slot’s starting lineup as the season progressed due to inconsistent form. The Reds’ decision to target Barcola could lead to the Dutch attacker’s departure.

Romano explained: “Deal depends on Liverpool decision; doors closed back in July but now could depend on financial package/Barcola pursuit.”

Spurs are also eyeing Manchester City winger Savinho and could bring both the Brazilian and the Liverpool forward to North London. They have already spent £237 million on six new signings, including Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who arrived from Newcastle United for £100m.

A Risk That Might Pay Off For De Zerbi

Gakpo has yet to show a desire to leave Anfield, but with Liverpool’s interest in Barcola growing, it might not be too long until he is considering an exit. At this stage of his career, he’ll want regular game time and a starting role.

There’s much for De Zerbi to like about the former PSV Eindhoven star, including his versatility. He can play out on the left and as the focal point of his team’s attack.

Gakpo could prove to be a shrewd piece of business depending on the fee, with reports suggesting Liverpool want £72m. That is quite pricey for a player who has endured a topsy-turvy past season but is indicative of where the market is at.

Harry Kane could be joined by a fellow Englishman at Bayern Munich if the Bundesliga giants decide to step up their interest in one of Chelsea‘s transfer targets.

A move to the Allianz Arena has worked out for Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur back in the summer of 2023. The England captain got his hands on silverware for the first time in his career and has delivered record-breaking goalscoring numbers.

Leaving English football is becoming increasingly popular, and Jude Bellingham is another member of the Three Lions team flourishing at Real Madrid in Spain. Their exploits are exactly why other Englishmen find moving abroad appealing.

Gibbs-White on Bayern Munich Radar

Bayern are hoping that’s the case for Morgan Gibbs-White, whom they have reportedly added to their shortlist. A report from Daily Mail Sport claims that the Bavarians will weigh up a move for the Nottingham Forest midfielder if Michael Olise joins Real Madrid.

Gibbs-White enjoyed a red-hot second half of the 2025-26 campaign and finished the season with 15 goals and four assists in 37 league games. His performances for the Tricky Trees haven’t gone unnoticed and the German champions aren’t the only ones interested.

Chelsea are said to have shown “growing interest” in the 26-year-old earlier this summer, but he wants to play Champions League football. That is likely to rule out a move to Stamford Bridge and while the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City have been linked in the past, they don’t appear to be looking to sign him this summer.

Bayern could be aided by Premier League clubs often preferring to sell their star players abroad rather than to a domestic rival. But in any case it could take a massive fee to sign the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder.

A report from The Telegraph earlier this summer suggested that Forest are valuing Gibbs-White at around £125 million. They are using Elliot Anderson’s £116m switch to Manchester City as a yardstick.

Forest Stance Over Gibbs-White

Forest handed Gibbs-White a new contract worth £100,000 per week after Tottenham Hotspur tried signing the English playmaker last summer. He became the first player in the club’s history to be offered such a lucrative deal and owner Evangelos Marinakis ensured the Tricky Trees kept their star man.

As last season drew to a close, Anderson leaving the City Ground felt inevitable amid growing talk of a move to City or United. That hasn’t been the case for Gibbs-White, dubbed “sensational”, who has been at the club since 2022.

The report claims that Oliver Glasner’s appointment has had a positive impact on him. The higher-ups are hopeful the Austrian can develop him much like he did with Olise, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace.

Forest don’t want to sell Gibbs-White unless they receive an offer that is too attractive to turn down. For the player, he may be eager to prove his worth and get in the England squad after missing out on the World Cup.