Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa has now completed his transfer to Arsenal
When Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa signed from Aston Villa for £55m - it wasn't just the fans of the Premier League champions that were celebrating the move.
Bukayo Saka has shared his delight that his close friend Konsa has joined the Gunners after spending around six weeks together at the World Cup this summer.
But Saka and Konsa's friendship stretches beyond that. Not only were they inseparable in camp but Saka also FaceTimed Konsa while the latter was on Villa's open-top bus parade in following their Europa League triumph over Freiburg.
The winger can't wait to play alongside the 28-year-old at club level, explaining after scoring against Coventry City: "I don't know how to describe it, man [their bond]. Ever since I met him at England, we've just got on.
"Yeah, I'm so happy to have him here. Not only because he's a brother to me, but I know the level of player he is and I'm excited for him to show it at this level."
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Konsa was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night as Arsenal thrashed Frank Lampard's Coventry City 3-0.
Before that, he was put through his paces at London Colney by Arsenal's first-team physical performance coach Toby Griffiths. He worked both in the gym and on the grass.
The versatile defender is also in line to make his Arsenal debut at Villa Park against Villa on August 31, though he will need to step up his fitness as he's yet to kick a ball this season.
Still, Mikel Arteta is delighted with his arrival, stating: "We needed one more player. We wanted somebody who doesn't have the qualities we already have. Somebody ideally with experience because as a centre-back in this league, you cannot play jokes with how important that position is."
Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Ezri Konsa
Bukayo Saka and Ezri Konsa are close friends after striking a bond while playing for England(Image: Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Andrea Berta, who executed the deal, is equally pleased, adding: “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.
“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.”
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