Arsenal have completed the signing of England international defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth up to £55m.
The 28-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months after successfully completing his medical. Arsenal will pay an initial £51m, with a possible £4m to follow in add-ons.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world,” Konsa said after Arsenal announced the move.
“I want to keep winning, hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. I’m here to win. I’ll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club.”
Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against his former club at Villa Park on Monday, 31 August. The fixture will be shown live on Sky Sports as part of Monday Night Football.
His arrival makes him Arsenal’s fifth major signing of the summer. Piero Hincapie has joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen, while Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes have also moved to the club.
Arsenal turned to Konsa after Premier League champions sought defensive cover because William Saliba is expected to be absent for an extended period. Jurrien Timber is also sidelined with a long-term groin injury.
Villa had initially valued Konsa at £60m, while Arsenal were attempting to negotiate a lower fee. The clubs reached an agreement on Thursday for the former Brentford defender.
Arsenal had also considered a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, but opted to sign his England team-mate instead. Konsa and Quansah have similar profiles, with both capable of playing at centre-back and right-back.
Konsa will join a defensive group that includes Saliba, Timber, Gabriel, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.
Asked what he will bring to Mikel Arteta’s “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.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said Konsa’s physical qualities and composure had made him one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
“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.”
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz said Konsa’s record in individual battles made him particularly suited to Arteta’s approach.
“If there’s one thing you need to know about Mikel Arteta, it’s that he loves players that win duels. Nobody was better at it than Ezri Konsa last season.
He won more duels on the ground than any other Premier League player last season – finishing quite some distance ahead of his nearest challengers Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel – his new team-mate.”
With Saliba and Timber injured, Arsenal needed a player able to cover both right-back and centre-back. Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White can provide options in those positions, and both impressed during the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
However, White has endured a lengthy injury record over the past two seasons. Arsenal were also reminded of the need for depth at right-back when Mosquera had to start the Champions League final against PSG out of position, with the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.
Konsa’s signing fills an important defensive gap for Arsenal and leaves the club close to completing their incoming business this transfer window.
The remaining question is whether they can recruit the forward they have been seeking.
