Arsenal Sign England Defender Ezri Konsa From Aston Villa in £51m Deal
Arsenal have completed the signing of England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal reported to be worth £51 million [$69m]. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Arsenal have completed the signing of England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal reported to be worth £51 million [$69m].
The 28-year-old centre-back has penned a long-term contract with the Premier League champions, with the announcement coming just hours before the Gunners kick off their title defence against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
Konsa’s arrival is a major boost for manager Mikel Arteta as he seeks to guide Arsenal to back-to-back league titles for the first time in over two decades.
The defender, who was a key figure for England at this year’s World Cup, is expected to slot straight into the heart of Arsenal’s defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, with William Saliba set to miss several months due to a back injury.
He could face his former club almost immediately, with Arsenal scheduled to travel to Villa Park on August 31.
Speaking after his unveiling, Konsa expressed his delight at joining the North London club.
“It’s a privilege to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. I’ll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club.”
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world. A lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first match-day,” he added.
Konsa is expected to be presented to supporters ahead of Friday’s season opener against Coventry.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised the defender’s consistency and versatility, noting that he can play both as a central defender and at right-back.
“Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers,” Berta said.
“Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.”
With Jurrien Timber also facing fitness concerns following a long-term groin issue, Arteta was keen to add defensive reinforcements before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Konsa becomes Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Greek winger Christos Tzolis, as the Gunners build on last season’s title triumph — their first English league title in 22 years.
The club has also made Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined on a free transfer from Leeds United. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is also reportedly on Arsenal’s radar.
Villa had initially rejected a £35 million bid from Arsenal for Konsa, but the Gunners returned with a substantially improved offer which was accepted.
The defender completed his medical at Arsenal’s London Colney training base on Thursday before signing his contract. He revealed that conversations with England teammates Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka during the World Cup helped convince him to make the switch.
“They said it’s very enjoyable, they said I’ll enjoy it. I’ve got a good relationship and I’m looking forward to training with them and playing with them,” Konsa said.
“That’s what I’m here for: To win. Hungry for more. I had a taste of it last season with the Europa League and I want to go for it all.”
Signed from Brentford in 2019, Konsa made close to 300 appearances for Villa, helping the club to two top-four finishes in the last three seasons and winning the Europa League last season.
His departure adds to a difficult summer for Unai Emery’s side, who have also lost key players Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne.
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