Arsenal have officially announced the signing of central defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the fee reported to be £51 million ($69 million). The deal was completed just hours before the Gunners' Premier League opener against Coventry on Friday.
The arrival of the 28-year-old is a significant boost for manager Mikel Arteta as he aims to secure a successful title defense. Konsa, a regular for England at this year's World Cup, is set to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defense, with William Saliba sidelined for several months due to a back injury.
Konsa could make his debut for his new club at Villa Park when Arsenal face Aston Villa on August 31. Speaking after signing, he said: “It's an honor to be here and I'm really excited to get started. I want to keep winning, I'm hungry for trophies, and that's why I came here. I'll do everything in my power to bring success to the club.”
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, praised the new signing: “Ezri is a high-quality defender, with the physicality, composure, and tactical intelligence that have made him one of the most consistent players in the Premier League. With his ability to play both as a center-back and right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad.”
Konsa is expected to be unveiled to Arsenal fans ahead of the Coventry match at the Emirates. He is one of the Gunners' notable signings following their first league title in 22 years, along with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Christos Tzolis. Additionally, Piero Hincapie's loan deal has been made permanent, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined on a free transfer.
Aston Villa and Arsenal had initially differed on valuation, with the first offer around £35 million before the Gunners significantly raised their bid. Konsa completed his medical at the London Colney training center on Thursday before putting pen to paper.
Konsa revealed that conversations with Arsenal’s England stars—including Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka—at the World Cup helped convince him to make the move. Since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019, he has made nearly 300 appearances, won the Europa League last season, and helped the club finish in the Premier League top four twice in the last three seasons.
