Aston Villa open Fikayo Tomori talks as €15m Ezri Konsa replacement emerges

Aston Villa have opened discussions over a potential move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori as Unai Emery's side consider replacements for Ezri Konsa.

Tomori is expected to leave Milan this summer after falling outside Ruben Amorim's plans, and Villa have now made an enquiry about bringing the 28-year-old back to the Premier League.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are looking for between €10m and €15m (£8.6m-£13m) for the England international, while Tomori himself is interested in a move to Villa Park.

Villa's interest comes as Milan attempt to raise money through player sales following significant investment in their squad.

Tomori has emerged as one of the players who could be sacrificed.

The centre-back remains under contract until 2027, leaving Milan approaching a point where they must either extend his deal or consider cashing in.

Gazzetta journalist Luca Bianchin reports that discussions between Aston Villa and Milan are underway, although negotiations remain at an early stage.

Villa have not yet decided that Tomori is definitely the defender they will sign.

Emery's side are assessing several alternatives as they prepare for Konsa's expected departure, meaning Tomori is currently one option rather than a completed deal.

One factor working in Villa's favour is the player's position.

Tomori is reportedly receptive to joining Aston Villa, which represents a significant difference from Coventry City's previous interest.

Coventry had explored bringing the defender back to England, potentially reuniting him with Frank Lampard after their time together at Chelsea, but Tomori was not convinced by that opportunity.

Villa Park appears considerably more attractive to him.

The relatively low asking price could also make the deal appealing. Tomori was a regular for Milan during the 2025/26 season and would arrive with extensive experience in Serie A, European competition and the Premier League.

Villa's interest is directly linked to their preparations for life without Konsa.

Tomori would bring pace, physicality and experience to Emery's defensive options, while a fee of no more than €15m would allow Villa to replace Konsa without committing a significant proportion of the money generated by his departure.

There are nevertheless tactical questions.

Tomori has shown weaknesses when progressing possession and has not always looked comfortable operating within a high defensive line. Those areas could be particularly important in Emery's system.

At 28, he would also represent an experienced solution rather than a younger defender Villa could develop substantially over several seasons.

That helps explain why the club continue to assess other targets despite opening discussions with Milan.

Villa must now decide whether Tomori represents the best value among the defenders on their shortlist.

His price, Premier League experience and willingness to join make the deal attractive, but Villa are right to keep alternatives open given the importance of replacing Konsa with a defender suited to Emery's system.

Would Fikayo Tomori be a good replacement for Ezri Konsa at Aston Villa, or should Emery target a younger centre-back? Have your say.