Arsenal renews interest in Ezri Konsa; Liverpool eyes Raúl Asencio

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 8:26 AM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Arsenal renews interest in Ezri Konsa; Liverpool eyes Raúl Asencio
Summary

Arsenal is reportedly increasing its bid for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, previously rebuffed for an offer below Villla's £60m valuation. Villa is also pursuing a £14m deal for Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid. Meanwhile, Liverpool is looking for defensive reinforcements and could target Raúl Asencio from Real Madrid, whose departure has been encouraged by the club. Additionally, Liverpool plans to evaluate Ivan Mbaye, an 18-year-old winger from Paris Saint-Germain, who expressed interest in moving to Anfield.

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By the Numbers
  • Arsenal aims to secure Ezri Konsa after a previous bid was rejected.
  • Villa values Konsa at a minimum of £60m.
  • Aston Villa seeks Matteo Ruggeri for £14m from Atlético Madrid.
  • Liverpool is interested in Raúl Asencio, allowed to leave Real Madrid.
  • Liverpool also considers PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye, who performed well at the World Cup.
Latest Updates
  • 8:26 AMThe Guardian SportFootball transfer rumours: Arsenal back for £60m Konsa? Asencio to Liverpool?
What they're saying
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Today’s rumours are prising open their war chest Aston Villa struggling to hold on to their World Cup stars has become something of a theme of this transfer window and off we go again as Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Ezri Konsa. The Daily Mail reports that the Premier League champions, having had a bid for the England defender rebuffed last month, are coming back with a bigger offer for Konsa, who Villa value at £60m minimum. Villa for their part are trying to nail down a £14m deal for Atlético Madrid’s Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri. Liverpool are looking for defensive reinforcements and could swoop for the Real Madrid centre-back Raúl Asencio. The 23-year-0ld has been told he can leave the Bernabéu and various Mr 15%s have approached Liverpool about a move, reports Teamtalk. Also on Andoni Iraola’s radar is the teenage Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18-year-old, who scored a stunning goal for Senegal against France at the World Cup, is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield. Continue reading...

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