Arsenal announce £55m Ezri Konsa signing | OneFootball

England defender moves to north London after William Saliba injury

The 28-year-old has joined the Gunners for an initial fee of £51million plus £4m in potential add-ons, addressing an area of concern in the squad.

Ezri has signed a four-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

With Jurrien Timber and William Saliba out injured, Mikel Arteta's options on the right side of defence were worryingly short ahead of the new season.

Arsenal have been interested in Konsa all summer, though were unwilling to meet the £60m valuation they were initially quoted.

However, talks accelerated this week and a compromise was reached for Konsa to become Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer.

Piero Hincapie's move was made permanent and Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have all been brought in.

Konsa is one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers

Andrea Berta

The Premier League champions wanted a versatile option in defence who could cover both right-back and add another option at the heart of defence.

Konsa provides that, along with plenty of Premier League experience having made 231 top-flight appearances for Villa.

Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta, said: “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.”

Arsenal explored the possibility of signing Jarell Quansah through intermediaries, but Konsa was always Arsenal's priority and he now adds to a strong English contingent at the club.

He is close with Bukayo Saka and was also in the World Cup squad in the summer along with Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

The Gunners also have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ben White and Max Dowman in the first-team squad.

“I want to keep winning, hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for,” Konsa said.

“It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.

“So yeah, a lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first matchday.”

Asked if he had spoken to Arsenal’s England contingent, Konsa said: “They said I'll enjoy it, and like you said, I've played with four of them.

“I'm looking forward to training with them and playing with them.”

There is a strong chance that Konsa will make his debut for Arsenal against his former club.

The defender underwent a medical on Thursday but was not registered in time to feature in Arsenal's opening match of the season against Coventry.

However, he will have a full week of training to get up to speed before the Gunners travel to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery's side on August 31.