Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the signing of England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £51 million ($69 million).
Konsa has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners just hours before Arsenal begin their title defence against Coventry on Friday.
The 28-year-old’s arrival provides manager Mikel Arteta with a major defensive boost as Arsenal look to win consecutive Premier League titles.
Konsa, who was a regular member of England’s squad at the World Cup this year, is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence following William Saliba’s injury setback. The France international is expected to spend several months on the sidelines with a back problem.
Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against his former club when the Gunners travel to Villa Park on August 31.
“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,” Konsa said.
“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 matchday.”
The defender is expected to be presented to Arsenal supporters before Friday’s Premier League opener against Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised Konsa’s qualities and versatility following the completion of the transfer.
“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’s fitness also a concern after a long-term groin problem, Arteta considered strengthening his defence a priority before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Konsa becomes one of Arsenal’s major summer signings alongside Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Greek winger Christos Tzolis.
The Gunners have also made Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined the club from Leeds United as a free agent.
Arsenal and Villa had initially been some distance apart in their valuation of Konsa, with the Gunners’ first offer reportedly worth around £35 million. Arsenal subsequently returned with an improved proposal to secure the defender’s signature.
Konsa completed his medical at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground on Thursday before signing his contract.
The defender revealed that conversations with Arsenal’s England internationals Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka during the World Cup helped convince him to make the move.
“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.”
Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019 and went on to make nearly 300 appearances for the club. He helped Villa win the Europa League last season and played a key role as they finished in the Premier League’s top four twice over the past three seasons.
Villa have now lost several important players during the summer, with Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne also departing Unai Emery’s side.
