Arsenal have completed the £51m signing of England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the 28-year-old joining the Premier League champions on a four-year contract.
The deal includes an option for Arsenal to extend the defender’s stay by another year. Villa could receive a further £4m in add-ons after the two clubs reached an agreement on Wednesday, following several weeks of negotiations.
“It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” said Konsa.
“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.”
BBC Sport reported last week that Arsenal were in discussions with Aston Villa over a move for Konsa, although the clubs initially held different views on the player’s valuation.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarrell Quansah was also considered by Arsenal. Quansah played alongside Konsa for England at this summer’s World Cup, but Arsenal ultimately agreed a fee with Villa for Konsa.
Konsa made 286 appearances for Aston Villa after joining the club from Brentford in July 2019. During his time at Villa Park, he helped the club win the Europa League in May, their first major trophy since 1982.
He made 48 appearances last season as Unai Emery’s team finished fourth in the Premier League and secured Champions League football. Konsa scored twice and provided one assist during the campaign.
The defender played in every match for England as Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the World Cup semi-finals, where they were beaten by Argentina. England then defeated France in the Bronze medal match.
Konsa was given four weeks off by Emery after the tournament and did not feature in any of Aston Villa’s pre-season matches. That included their 2-1 defeat by Paris St-Germain in the Uefa Super Cup.
His arrival strengthens Arsenal’s defensive options as they prepare for another campaign competing for major honours. Konsa’s ability to operate both in central defence and at right-back was highlighted by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.
“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.”
Konsa’s move brings an end to his seven-year association with Aston Villa, while Arsenal have secured a player who has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders and an established member of the England squad.
