Arsenal sign Konsa from Villa as Premier League holders bolster defence

Premier League champions Arsenal have signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a accord worth a noted £51m ($69m).

Key points

• Konsa joins Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Greek winger Christos Tzolis as Arsenal's main recruits since the club won their first English title for 22 years.
• Villa have been ravaged by close-season departures, with leading players Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne additionally leaving Unai Emery's team.
• The 28-year-old's arrival gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a major boost as he intends to lead the club to successive Premier League titles.
• While goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined from Leeds as a free signing, piero Hincapie's loan accord was additionally turned into a permanent switch from Bayer Leverkusen.
• Konsa could create his debut against his former employers when Arsenal travel to Villa on August 31.

Konsa agreed to a "long-term contract" with the Gunners just hours before they start their title defence against Coventry on Friday.

For context, the 28-year-old's arrival gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a major boost as he intends to lead the club to successive Premier League titles.

Konsa, who was a regular for England at the World Cup this year, will partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal's defence in the absence of France international William Saliba. This person is sidelined for a number of months with a back challenge.

"It's a privilege to be here and I can't wait to get started, " Konsa remarked.

"I want to keep winning, I'm hungry to win and that's what I'm here for. I'll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club, " he continued.

"It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world. A lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first match-day."

Konsa is projected to be paraded before Arsenal fans ahead of Friday's clash with Coventry in the opening game of the top-flight season at the Emirates Stadium.

"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, " Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta remarked.

"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."

With Jurrien Timber's fitness additionally in question after a long-term groin difficulty, Arteta felt it was vital to land a defender before the transfer window closes on September 1.

While goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined from Leeds as a free signing, piero Hincapie's loan accord was additionally turned into a permanent switch from Bayer Leverkusen. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is additionally reportedly on Arsenal's radar.

Villa and Arsenal had been apart in their valuation of Konsa, with an initial bid of around £35m before the Gunners returned with a substantially improved offer.

Konsa completed his medical at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Thursday before putting pen-to-paper on his contract.

He made public conversations with Arsenal's England stars Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka at the World Cup had assisted convince him to create the move.

"They remarked it's highly enjoyable, they noted I'll enjoy it. I've obtained a good relationship and I'm looking forward to training with them and playing with them, " Konsa stated.

"That's what I'm here for: To win. Hungry for more. I had a taste of it last season with the Europa League and I want to go for it all."

Signed for Villa from Brentford in 2019, he played almost 300 times, winning the Europa League last season and helping the club finish in the Premier League's top four twice in the last three seasons.

In short, arsenal sign Konsa from Villa as Premier League holders bolster defence is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.