Aston Villa are closing in on a move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, as the Midlands club look to fill the void left by Ezri Konsa's impending departure to Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.

FourFourTwo understands that Villa have agreed to sell Konsa to Arsenal for £51 million plus add-ons — a deal that pushes their total summer sales well beyond £200 million, following a season in which they secured a European trophy and earned a place in this season's Champions League.

A growing Chelsea–Villa pipeline

The potential arrival of Tosin would extend a flourishing transfer relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa. Villa have already confirmed the loan signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Stamford Bridge, while Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea in a record sale from Villa earlier this summer.

Ian Maatsen, Jadon Sancho, and Axel Disasi have all previously made the journey up the M40 to work under manager Unai Emery, with both clubs using such deals to navigate the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). For Chelsea, Tosin's sale would represent pure profit, as he arrived at the club on a free transfer.

Tosin spent 41 appearances across all competitions in his first season at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as a dependable presence. However, game-time became harder to secure last term, and the summer acquisition of Maxence Lacroix makes his prospects at the club even dimmer.

Benfica also in the hunt

Villa are not the only club pursuing the centre-back. The Sun reports that Benfica have submitted a rival offer, with former Fulham manager Marco Silva keen to reunite with Tosin, who spent four years at Craven Cottage before his move to Chelsea in 2024.

Tosin began his professional career at Manchester City before a Deadline Day transfer to Fulham during the pandemic in 2020. He is currently valued at €16 million by Transfermarkt.

Nicolas Jackson also on the radar

Reports suggest Villa's dealings with Chelsea may not stop at Tosin. Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has claimed on X that Villa have pursued Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for 12 months. Jackson previously worked with Emery at Villarreal, and could become one of three former Chelsea players to join Villa this summer if a deal is concluded.

Villa open their Premier League season on Sunday with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.