Arsenal
Arsenal have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for a deal worth up to £55 million. The England international has signed a four-year contract, with an option for another year, as per latest transfer news.
Arsenal complete Ezri Konsa signing
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth £51 million, with another £4 million available in add-ons. As reported by ESPN, Villa had turned down an earlier £30 million offer for the defender. As reported by Sky Sports, Villa initially wanted around £60 million. Arsenal, however, managed to agree on a lower fixed fee after further talks.
Konsa has signed a four-year contract with an option for another 12 months after completing his medical. The 28-year-old is Arsenal’s fifth major signing of the summer. He joins Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes. Konsa said joining one of the world’s biggest clubs was a proud moment for him and his family. He also said the move may feel more real when he plays his first game. Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday.
Konsa adds defensive depth to Arsenal
Arsenal needed another defender after William Saliba was ruled out for an extended period. Jurrien Timber is also recovering from a long-term groin injury. Arsenal had also considered Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. Both Quansah and Konsa can play at centre-back and right-back. However, the Gunners decided that Konsa was the better option.
The new signing also brings plenty of Premier League experience. He had become a regular at Villa and one of the league’s most reliable defenders. Konsa can play in two positions, which could be very useful for Arteta. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera can also cover those roles. However, White has had several injury problems over the last two seasons.
Konsa’s defensive record from last season is impressive. He won more ground duels than any other Premier League player. He finished well ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel. That strength could make Konsa a valuable addition to Arsenal. The Gunners want to compete in several competitions, so having a defender who is strong in duels should give Arteta another reliable option.
Arsenal Football Stadium - Emirates Stadium
Arsenal Football Stadium - Emirates Stadium
Ezri Konsa’s 2025/26 stats for Aston Villa, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Defensive Contributions Duels Won Interceptions
Premier League 34 196 100 23
FA Cup 1 7 4 –
EFL Cup 1 10 4 1
Europa League 12 53 35 6
Arsenal strengthen ahead of new season
Konsa joins Arsenal as the Gunners look to improve on last season’s Champions League run. Arsenal reached the final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners have already spent heavily this summer. Konsa gives Arteta another experienced defender for the new season. His ability to play at multiple positions could help Arsenal deal with injuries during a busy domestic and European campaign.
For Aston Villa, Konsa’s departure is another big loss. The club have already lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. Arsenal now look close to finishing their transfer business. Konsa can play in two defensive positions, giving Arteta more cover in defence. The defender could even face Villa in his first game for Arsenal. A debut at Villa Park would be an interesting start to the next chapter of his football career.