‘He can do everything’: Morgan Rogers heaps praise on Arsenal target Ezri Konsa amid €70m rumours

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers has delivered a glowing verdict on teammate Ezri Konsa, calling the defender “one of the best centre-backs in football” as both players prepare for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway. Konsa and Rogers are both rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar for the 2026-27 season, with widespread reports suggesting Mikel Arteta wants to bring the pair to north London after the tournament in North America. Konsa, valued at around €70 million by Villa despite having only two years left on his contract, has emerged as a specific target to replace Ben White — who could be sold to help fund moves. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s knockout clash, Rogers made clear he believes Konsa does not get the recognition he deserves. “No, nowhere near. I think he’s one of the best centre-backs in football, if I’m honest, I think at this World Cup. I think the ability that he’s got, he can do everything as a centre-back, never gets beaten in the air, strong in the tackle, unbelievable on the ball,” Rogers told reporters. “Honestly, I don’t know a flaw in his game, and I think that’s helped Villa that probably a bigger club has not taken him in the last few years. I think that’s helped us, because I honestly don’t know a problem in his game, really.” Rogers added that the international stage is finally giving Konsa the spotlight he deserves: “It’s nice that he gets the recognition and he can compete on the world stage, and everyone can see how good he actually is. I think he does go under the radar massively and in these conversations of the best centre-backs, he is right up there.” Arsenal are monitoring Konsa closely, but a €70m price tag — plus interest in Rogers, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, PSG winger Bradley Barcola and Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis — makes a summer deal complicated. Unless Villa receive a massive offer or Arsenal offload White for a significant fee, a move to the Emirates remains an uphill battle.