Ezri Konsa: ‘I want to keep winning’
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Ezri Konsa signs for Arsenal at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 21, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/David Price / Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa commented on making the move from Aston Villa to Arsenal.
The Gunners are still suffering from the impact of injuries to key squad members last season, and they have chosen to call on an established England international, who is excited about this opportunity.
·‘Hungry for more’
Konsa is returning to the capital city after going through the ranks at the Charlton Athletic academy and spending a season in the Championship with Brentford. Now, the London-born defender is determined to show that he belongs with a club in the English elite after seven years at Villa Park.
“I’m super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started. I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Arsenal new signing Ezri Konsa with Eberechi Eze at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 21, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Arsenal new signing Ezri Konsa with Eberechi Eze at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 21, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“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.
“I’m very proud [of my time at Aston Villa ]. Very grateful for what they did for me in my career, joining them as a boy and left as a man. I’m excited to get going at Arsenal and can’t wait to get started.”
·‘What they’ve built has been special’
The 28-year-old is another option capable of playing as a central defender and a fullback, offering depth behind Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. He has seen the Gunners firsthand in many battles for Aston Villa, and the defensive discipline in their system has stood out on several occasions.
“The chemistry [the defenders] have, they all want to defend for each other, the love they have for defending, they love keeping the ball out of the net which is what you have to do as a defender. But I just love the way they are together. What they've built over the past few years has been special.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal is held by Ezri Konsa during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal is held by Ezri Konsa during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
“I like to build up from the back, and I like to have a lot of the ball. It's Mikel's style and from what I've seen from games, it's the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a bit more.
“It's good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right-back and centre-back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”