‘Ezri Konsa the winner’ as £70m transfer development emerges at Chelsea
Ezri Konsa has been one of the most consistent performers at Aston Villa since signing in 2019.
The 27-year-old moved to Villa Park from Brentford and has gone on to make over 220 appearances in claret and blue.
The England international has been a stalwart for the Villans, forming terrific defensive partnerships with both Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres.
Looking ahead to the summer, his career could be set to take a step up as Chelsea looks to conduct further business under Enzo Maresca.
Konsa to benefit from Chelsea transfer
The Villa centre half has been so good for so long, it does come as a surprise that there appears to be no interest in his signature.
This is especially the case when you consider that the defender has become an England regular, securing 11 Three Lions caps since late 2023.
| Years | Club | Appearances | Goals |
| 2023- | England | 11 | 0 |
| 2019- | Aston Villa | 227 | 8 |
| 2018-19 | Brentford | 47 | 1 |
| 2015-18 | Charlton Athletic | 86 | 0 |
There is every chance that he could see his international importance rise in the coming months under Thomas Tuchel if Marc Guehi returns to Chelsea.
The Blues are planning to prioritise a move for the Crystal Palace star as soon as the summer transfer window opens rather than alternative targets [GiveMeSport, 1 April].
The 24-year-old looks set to welcome a move back to Stamford Bridge in what could prove to be a damaging career switch.
There have been very few success stories in defence in West London, with the likes of Axel Disasi, Welsey Fofana and Levi Colwill all struggling this season.
If Guehi was to move across the capital, there is no reason why he couldn’t face the same fate, much to the benefit of Konsa on the international stage.
Aston Villa star Konsa could replace Guehi for England
During the latest Euros, it was the Palace man who was spoken about as much as anyone else, regardless of Ollie Watkins’ heroics against the Netherlands.
The former Swansea City loanee stepped in for an injured Harry Maguire and excelled, but that could take a hit if he does move to Chelsea.
There is so much competition for places under Maresca that it is nearly impossible for anyone, except from Cole Palmer, to excel.
This could leave the door open for Konsa to step up under Tuchel to make a place in the England starting XI his own ahead of tournaments in 2026, 2028 and 3030.