England defender Ezri Konsa joins Arsenal from Aston Villa in a deal understood to be value £51m ($69m).
Printed On 21 Aug 2026
Premier League champions Arsenal have signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal value a reported £51m ($69m).
Konsa agreed to a “long-term contract” with the Gunners simply hours earlier than they begin their title defence in opposition to Coventry on Friday.
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The 28-year-old’s arrival offers Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta a serious enhance as he goals to guide the membership to successive Premier League titles.
Konsa, who was a daily for England on the World Cup this yr, will companion Gabriel Magalhaes on the coronary heart of Arsenal’s defence within the absence of France worldwide William Saliba, who’s sidelined for a number of months with a again downside.
Konsa may make his debut in opposition to his former employers when Arsenal journey to Villa on August 31.
“It’s a privilege to be right here and I can’t wait to get began,” Konsa mentioned.
“I need to maintain profitable, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m right here for. I’ll do every little thing in my energy to proceed bringing success to this membership,” he added.
“It’s a proud second for me and my household to play for probably the greatest groups on the earth. A variety of feelings have gone by way of my head, however I feel it’ll actually kick in on the primary match-day.”
Konsa is predicted to be paraded earlier than Arsenal followers forward of Friday’s conflict with Coventry within the opening sport of the top-flight season on the Emirates Stadium.
“Ezri is a defender of top of the range, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of many Premier League’s most constant performers,” Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta mentioned.
“Being comfy in each central defence and at right-back, Ezri will convey helpful versatility to our squad whereas sustaining the excessive defensive requirements that are basic to our problem of profitable main trophies.”
With Jurrien Timber’s health additionally in query following a long-term groin downside, Arteta felt it was very important to land a defender earlier than the switch window closes on September 1.
Konsa joins Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Greek winger Christos Tzolis as Arsenal’s essential recruits for the reason that membership received their first English title for 22 years.
Piero Hincapie’s mortgage deal was additionally changed into a everlasting swap from Bayer Leverkusen, whereas goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined from Leeds as a free signing.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez can also be reportedly on Arsenal’s radar.
Villa and Arsenal had been aside of their valuation of Konsa, with an preliminary bid of round £35m earlier than the Gunners returned with a considerably improved provide.
Konsa accomplished his medical at Arsenal’s London Colney coaching floor on Thursday earlier than placing pen-to-paper on his contract.
He revealed conversations with Arsenal’s England stars Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka on the World Cup had helped persuade him to make the transfer.
“They mentioned it’s very pleasing, they mentioned I’ll take pleasure in it. I’ve bought a superb relationship and I’m wanting ahead to coaching with them and enjoying with them,” Konsa mentioned.
“That’s what I’m right here for: To win. Hungry for extra. I had a style of it final season with the Europa League and I need to go for all of it.”
Signed for Villa from Brentford in 2019, he performed almost 300 instances, profitable the Europa League final season and serving to the membership end within the Premier League’s prime 4 twice within the final three seasons.
Villa have been ravaged by close-season departures, with main gamers Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne additionally leaving Unai Emery’s group.
