Ezri Konsa has become Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Piero Hincapie, whose option-to-buy clause was activated, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Sporrting Director Andrea Beerta with new signing Ezri Konsa at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 21, 2026 in London Colney, England
Arsenal have signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have announced the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The Gunners have paid an initial £51m, plus £4m in add-ons, for the 28-year-old defender, who has put pen to paper on a four-year contract – which includes the option of a further 12 months – at the Emirates Stadium.
football.london understands that Konsa, who's a boyhood Tottenham Hotspur supporter, actively pushed for the move following an extended break after going the distance at the World Cup with England. Andrea Berta was just as keen to get a deal over the line, viewing the England international as a top defensive target.
The Arsenal sporting director told club media: "We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa. 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.
"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.
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"We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, and strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play.
"Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact within our club. We welcome Ezri and his family to Arsenal."
It's understood that earlier this summer, Arsenal submitted an opening bid of £30m, which was immediately rejected by higher-ups at Villa Park. The Gunners returned to the table last week to propose a second offer worth £40m, but Aston Villa stood firm on their £60m valuation.
Then, Konsa, who still had four years remaining on his previous deal, communicated his desire to join Arsenal. Andrea Berta finally agreed on a deal worth £51m, plus add-ons, for the Englishman, who's just become the Gunners' fifth signing of the summer.
Konsa follows the arrivals of Piero Hincapie, whose option-to-buy clause was activated, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, taking the total spend for the transfer window to about £200m.
Upon signing a long-term contract with Arsenal, the Englishman outlined his ambition to help Arteta's side win more silverware. Konsa told club media: "Yeah, super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started. I want to keep winning, hungry to win, and that’s what I’m here for."
He continued: "It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world. So yeah, a lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first matchday."
On whether Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze offered him some insight into what it's like to play for Arsenal while away together for England at the World Cup over the summer, Konsa said: "They said I'll enjoy it, and like you said, I've played with four of them. I'm looking forward to training with them and playing with them."
The new Gunners defender was spotted FaceTiming some of the squad during the Premier League trophy parade at the end of last season. On whether he hopes to experience the open-top bus next year, Konsa said: "100 per cent, that's the plan. I'm here to win. I'll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club."
And finally, on what he looks forward to most about playing under Arteta, Konsa said: "Defending. I know he loves defenders who can really defend and defenders who are calm on the ball. His style suits me, so I can't wait to get going."
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