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Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, with Unai Emery looking to carry out major changes in defence. The development comes as England international Ezri Konsa closes in on completing a high-profile move to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Villa are considering Tosin as the outflow from the squad continues.

Unai Emery is now in a battle against time to reshape his squad after a summer marked by major departures from Villa Park. The biggest setback is Ezri Konsa, who is reported to have signed a four-year deal with Arsenal, with the option of a further 12 months.

According to a report from Sky Sports, Villa have now turned their attention to Tosin in a bid to plug the gap in their backline. Interest in the 28-year-old centre-back is seen as a practical move by the Midlands club, who have watched the spine of their Champions League-chasing team being broken up. Apart from the Konsa transfer, Villa have already approved the departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.

A Stamford Bridge departure now appears increasingly likely for the Chelsea flop.

Tosin has had a tough spell at Stamford Bridge since joining on a free transfer from Fulham in 2024. Although he came through the Manchester City academy, he has not been able to nail down a regular starting place despite the managerial changes in west London. The 28-year-old was recently handed the No.38 shirt, with his old number 4 now taken by new arrival Valentin Barco, in what may be a strong indication that his future is away from west London as Xabi Alonso reshapes Chelsea's squad for the new season.

It became even clearer that Tosin could be on his way out when he was omitted from Chelsea's squad for the final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad. Although Marseille, Sevilla and Benfica - now managed by his former Fulham boss Marco Silva - have shown interest, the chance to stay in the Premier League with Villa may prove decisive.

For Arsenal, bringing in Konsa would represent a major success for Arteta, who has been eager to strengthen his defence following injury concerns around William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Arteta has spoken openly about wanting to "improve and evolve the squad", and the versatile 28-year-old matches the profile of a player who can operate in several positions across the back four. Konsa's exit from Villa Park would bring an end to a lengthy spell in which he made 286 appearances, but the chance to join the reigning Premier League champions was reportedly too good to reject.

Fikayo Tomori also remains under consideration as an alternative option.

Although Tosin is a leading target, he is not the only defender under discussion at Villa. Reports indicate that the club have also identified AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori as another option to strengthen the defence. The England international is said to be interested in a move to Villa Park, preferring the Midlands side over other clubs, and early discussions are already under way.

The finances of any deal will be important for Villa, who have already spent heavily on Johan Manzambi, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Joao Gomes. Milan are believed to want a fee of around €10-15m for Tomori, which could make him an appealing and cost-effective option if talks for Tosin do not progress.