Arsenal Face Double Hurdle in Pursuit of Villa Duo Konsa and Rogers

Arsenal's interest in Aston Villa duo Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers has hit a pair of complications, with contract talks brewing at Villa Park and a staggering price tag attached to the latter. According to the media, Villa are preparing to open discussions with England international Konsa over a new deal. The 28-year-old center-back, valued at €70 million (£60m) by his club, has just two years remaining on his current contract. The Gunners have been monitoring Konsa alongside teammate Rogers, though reports suggest Arsenal's priority lies more with the attacking midfielder. That pursuit, however, comes with an astronomical cost. The Mail reports that Villa would demand a British record fee of €152 million (£130m) to let Rogers leave. The 23-year-old, who joined from Middlesbrough in February 2024, has scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Villa and was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after helping Unai Emery's side lift the trophy last term. Both players are currently in North America with England at the World Cup, where they are preparing for a quarterfinal clash against Norway on Saturday. Konsa has started all five of England's matches so far, including the thrilling 3-2 round-of-16 win over Mexico in which the Three Lions played with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty to seal one of England's greatest victories. Norway, powered by Erling Haaland's seven goals in the tournament, advanced with a 2-1 win over Brazil. Haaland's brace proved decisive as he leads the scoring charts in his maiden World Cup. Villa, meanwhile, are believed to need to offload at least one key player under UEFA's spending regulations, but their intention is to keep Rogers. Whether Arsenal can break through remains to be seen.