Arsenal
[Photos] Ezri Konsa poses in Arsenal kit after completing £51m move from Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa has completed his move to Arsenal after joining the club on a long-term contract from Aston Villa, the Gunners have confirmed on Arsenal.com today.
Ezri Konsa has completed his move to Arsenal after joining the club on a long-term contract from Aston Villa, the Gunners have confirmed on Arsenal.com today.
After winning the Premier League title last season, Arsenal haven’t stood still and have continued to strengthen throughout their squad during the summer transfer window.
Illan Meslier has arrived to add depth to the goalkeeping department, Christos Tzolis has come in to replace Leandro Trossard on the left flank while midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been signed in a big-money deal from Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta has also been in the market for another defender with Cristian Romero and Jarell Quansah among those linked with a move to North London in recent weeks.
However, Konsa was widely regarded as Arteta first choice target and after lengthy discussions with Aston Villa, a breakthrough was found between the two clubs earlier this week.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Arsenal had agreed a deal worth £51m plus £4m in add-ons to sign Konsa and the 28-year-old was given permission to travel to London for his medical.
Konsa joins Arsenal
Those formalities have now been completed and Arsenal have announced on their official website that Konsa has joined the club on a long-term contract from Aston Villa.
The England international has been posing for photos in his new kit, and he looked delighted to have joined the newly-crowned Premier League champions. It’s also been revealed that the 6ft defender will wear the No.15 shirt.
Konsa has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League since joining Villa from Charlton in 2019. Having previously represented England at U21 level, he is now an established senior international having racked up 28 caps.
William Saliba is facing at least two months on the sidelines with a back injury so Konsa will give Arteta top class cover in the middle of Arsenal’s defence.
His versatility will also be useful as Jurrien Timber is still working his way back to fitness and Konsa is comfortable playing at right-back, so he’ll be able to rotate with Ben White – who’s also had his fitness issues in the last two years.
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Arteta will no doubt be delighted to have secured his first choice defensive target and he’ll now turn his attention to strengthening in attack during the final 10 days of the window.
Konsa is now in-line to make his debut against former club Aston Villa when Arsenal travel to Villa Park on August 31st.
Here are more photos of Konsa in his new Arsenal kit:
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