Arsenal confirm signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of defender Ezri Konsa from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

The England international joins the Gunners as their fifth summer incoming, joining Piero Hincapié, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães, who have all made the permanent switch to North London during the transfer window.

Konsa joins up with Mikel Arteta's side for a reported £51million plus £4m in potential add-ons, and as another addition that provides plenty of extra strength in an attempt to build on last season's Premier League title triumph.

Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa

Arsenal's interest in Konsa was first reported in July when they were said to be preparing a bid, but that didn't meet Villa's valuation and talks of any potential move went quiet for some time.

Amid links with other options such as Jarell Quansah and Cristian Romero, the Gunners revisited their pursuit of the defender last week and after initially failing to reach an agreement with a £30m bid, they struck a £51m deal on Wednesday with Konsa also agreeing a move to the champions.

He completed his medical and formalities a day later and is now officially an Arsenal player, having put pen to paper on a long-term contract, reportedly in place until 2030, with an option for a further year.

With William Saliba unavailable through injury until the Christmas period, Konsa is expected to provide cover for the Frenchman while also battling with Cristhian Mosquera for a starting place on the right side of the Gunners' centre back pairing.

His versatility is reported to have been a major factor in attracting the Gunners' interest with his ability to play as both a central defender and a right back particuarly crucial in the move being completed. Jurrien Timber and Ben White have both regularly battled with fitness issues so Konsa can also stand in for the pair when required.

Konsa first joined Villa from Brentford in 2019 and has played a crucial part in their evolution from a side fighting relegation to one regularly competing for the Premier League's European spots. He made 286 appearances during his time at Villa Park and won the Europa League in what proved to be his final season with the club.

He has also become an integral asset to the England set-up, having made his international in 2024. The defender has since won 28 caps and played in every match of the Three Lions' run to finishing third at this summer's World Cup.

Konsa is set to wear the number 15 shirt for Arsenal and is in line to make his debut against his now former club Villa on Monday 31 August.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow