Liverpool are considering accelerating their pursuit of veteran defender Ezri Konsa, as injuries and a lack of players in their defence continue to be a concern ahead of the Premier League season.
The Aston Villa and England defender is also among the players Arsenal are monitoring closely. However, Liverpool are also eyeing him as a potential replacement for the defender who has been left out of the starting line-up by a number of key players and injuries.
Since joining Aston Villa in 2019, Ezri Konsa has established himself as one of the club’s key players. His Premier League experience and ability to play in a defensive role have attracted interest from top clubs.
Konsa has made over 280 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions, giving him the experience that could help a club that is looking to challenge for the title.
While Aston Villa are reluctant to let go of one of their first-choice players, reports suggest they could listen to talks if a deal is made to match the player’s market value.
Liverpool have been hit with a number of injury problems in pre-season friendlies, leaving their defensive options limited.
Joe Gomez’s injury has further highlighted the club’s limited experience in the position. Other players are also yet to fully recover from injuries, meaning younger players are being given a chance to play earlier than expected.
Liverpool have used some of their younger players in pre-season to fill the gaps in their defence. While this helps build a future, analysts say that the team that wants to compete for the Premier League title also needs experienced players who can immediately enter the field and produce results immediately.
Coach Andoni Iraola has made no secret of the fact that adding players to the defense is one of the priorities the team must solve before the start of the season.
He said: “With the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now so I think it’s a solution that we are trying to find, yes.”
These words indicate that the Liverpool management is still looking for ways to add defenders who can start playing immediately.
Liverpool are not the only ones tracking Ezri Konsa. Arsenal also continue to see him as one of the players who can strengthen the defense, especially after some of their players have suffered injury problems.
But the £60m price tag Aston Villa are reportedly asking for the player could be one of the factors that could make negotiations difficult for any interested clubs. As the transfer market continues, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will prioritise the defender or opt to find other ways to solve their defensive problems.
