Arsenal seal £51m deal for Ezri Konsa as Berta hails ‘one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers’ | OneFootball

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has called Ezri Konsa one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers after completing a deal to sign the defender.

Konsa has signed a four-year contract at Arsenal and arrives from Aston Villa for an initial fee of £51m.

The 28-year-old adds to the defensive options of thePremier League champions, who begin their title defence against Coventry City this evening. Mikel Arteta had been keen to sign a versatile defender with William Saliba sidelined through injury. Jurrien Timber has also been nursing an issue.

Konsa helped Aston Villa to Europa League success last season, and featured prominently as England finished third at the 2026 World Cup.

The London-born defender returns to the capital and will wear the number 15 shirt in North London.

After unveiling Konsa as the club's latest summer signing, Berta said Arsenal have signed a player who will 'adapt seamlessly' to the Gunners' style of play.

“We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa," Berta toldarsenal.com.

“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.”

Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against former club Aston Villa, with the Gunners set to travel to Villa Park on August 31st.