Ezri Konsa looks set to join Arsenal from Aston Villa, and it's clear why Mikel Arteta wants bring the versatile defender to the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka #7 of England poses for a photograph with the match ball after his hat trick alongside Ivan Toney #22 and Ezri Konsa #2 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Ezri Konsa following England's clash against France at the World Cup(Image: Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has been told exactly what he wants to hear about Ezri Konsa ahead of his transfer to Arsenal. The Aston Villa defender looks set to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium as Andrea Berta looks to bolster the backline, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber nursing injuries.
The Gunners have reached an agreement with the Villans to sign Konsa. The England international reportedly bid farewell to the coaching staff and teammates at Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday, and will undergo a medical on Thursday.
football.london understands that Arsenal will pay £51m, plus add-ons, for Konsa, who has two years remaining on his current contract at Villa Park. The 28-year-old only recently reported for training, having been granted an extended break after going the distance with England at the World Cup.
Although Konsa hasn't played at all in pre-season, the Gunners are in a race against time to ensure that he's at least available for selection for the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. English top-flight rules state that players must be registered by midday on the working day before a game.
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So, if Berta fails to get a deal over the line before 12pm on Thursday, with Arsenal hosting Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, the Englishman will have to wait until the following week to make his debut.
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So, with that being said, football.london has looked at why Arsenal want to sign Konsa.
Konsa can play across the backline
Although Konsa is a centre-half on paper, he can also play at full-back, giving his managers great tactical freedom, especially during waves of injuries or the fixture-filled festive period. During an interview with The Athletic in August 2023, the versatile defender claimed he always relishes the chance to test himself against the world's best, regardless of his position.
"Full-back is different," said Konsa. "You're up against very good wingers in the Premier League, but it's a challenge that I look forward to. Whenever the gaffer puts me there, I'll do a job."
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'One of the best in the Premier League'
Bukayo Saka has already given Arsenal the green light to sign Konsa. In June 2024, the Hale End Graduate recalled the challenges he's faced when playing against the Aston Villa defender in England training.
As quoted by BirminghamLive, Saka said: "Some sessions I do a one-versus-one with Ezri because he is one of the best in the Premier League at defending one-versus-ones. It improves me, and it improves him as well. I enjoy coming up against him."
Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all played for England at the World Cup
Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all played for England at the World Cup(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
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Konsa has studied Arsenal's deadball mastery
Konsa looks set to hit the ground running at Arsenal. In November 2025, while away on international duty, the Gunners target commented on the importance of mastering dead-ball scenarios and how he's tuned his game accordingly.
"This season, you've seen a lot more long throw-ins, Brentford being one team that does it really well, and it is difficult to defend," said Konsa, speaking to reporters. "I think now there's a lot more physicality, and you do have to be strong, you do have to have physicality in the team, because if not, you are going to struggle.
Arsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa
Arsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa(Image: (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
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"Look, the Premier League's changing everything year, it’s getting harder and harder, and this season, I think you're seeing teams scoring more from set-pieces, and the focus is more on in and around set-pieces when you are defending
"For me as a defender, I think it's important that you do have that physicality when it comes to set-pieces and you make sure the boys around you are ready for what's to come because you know nowadays, especially with the throw-ins and the corners.
"You look at Arsenal and see how many goals they have scored and how many points they've won from it. It does play a big part, and it's a big part in the game."
Konsa wants to play in midfield...
Arsenal look set to get their hands on another Swiss Army Knife. During an appearance on the official Aston Villa podcast in April 2026, Konsa discussed how he became a centre-back and outlined his dream to one day play in midfield again.
Ezri Konsa of England
Ezri Konsa was part of England's World Cup squad(Image: Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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"I was actually a centre midfielder, holding," said the Englishman, recalling his formative years at Charlton Athletic. "I actually quite enjoyed that role. Then I went to right back for a little bit and then Under-18s, there was one game, and the manager asked me if I wanted to try and be a centre-half, and I said, 'yeah', and then never looked back since then.
"Obviously, I've been playing right-back and centre-back. Never midfield. I'd love to try it, though. Just one more time. Obviously, being able to play in different positions is always a blessing."
Konsa added: "I'm lucky enough to have that ability to be able to play in different positions. And look, I've always said, wherever the manager puts me, I'll always try and do a job for him."
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