Arsenal have held further talks with Aston Villa over a deal for England centre-back Ezri Konsa, but remain short of the asking price.
The Premier League champions offered a proposal of around £40 million for the defender, which falls £20 million short of Villa's £60 million valuation.
Konsa is currently on holiday following his involvement in the World Cup. As a result, he will not feature in Villa's squad to face French side Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup this evening.
Daily Mail Sport reported last month that Konsa was the Gunners' top target for central defence, although their initial proposal was well below Villa's demands.
The defender has remained on Arsenal's radar since. He has two years remaining on his current deal at Villa Park, and the club would like him to sign a new contract.
Rebuilding process at Villa Park
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery would face an even bigger rebuilding job were Konsa to depart this summer. Villa have already seen key men Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans leave the club, while defender Lucas Digne has moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
Villa recouped more than £140 million from the sales of Rogers, who joined Chelsea, and Tielemans, who signed for Manchester United.
Having brought in those funds, Villa are under no financial pressure to sell Konsa and are unlikely to do so without a high-level replacement lined up.
Defensive injury concerns at Arsenal
Arsenal's search for reinforcements at the back comes with France defender William Saliba facing a lengthy injury absence.
The Gunners' pre-season form has further illuminated Saliba's absence, with the team conceding an uncharacteristic number of goals, including a recent 3-2 defeat to German side Borussia Dortmund.
Konsa will turn 29 in October, and his next contract will be the most significant of his career financially.
If he agrees fresh terms to stay at Villa Park, he would be among the highest earners at the club alongside goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
