Aston Villa Open Talks for Chris Richards as Arsenal Close on £40m Konsa Deal
Aston Villa have opened talks with Crystal Palace over a move for American defender Chris Richards . The move comes as the Midlands club brace for the departure of star centre-back Ezri Konsa, with Premier League champions Arsenal closing in on a deal worth an initial £40m .
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Konsa from Aston Villa, though reports suggest Villa value the England international closer to the £60m mark . Negotiations are advancing after dialogue at ownership level to reduce the valuation gap . The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that work is now progressing to finalise the move for the versatile 28-year-old, who can play at centre-back and right-back . Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block .
Villa’s pursuit of Richards is viewed as a direct replacement for Konsa . The USMNT international has been a key figure at Selhurst Park and would bring Premier League experience to Unai Emery’s squad.
Konsa’s potential departure would see him become the latest high-profile exit from Villa Park this summer . A product of the club’s rise under Emery, he made 48 appearances last season and played a key role in England’s World Cup campaign . He is contracted to Villa until 2028, giving the club a strong negotiating position .
