Ezri Konsa has completed his £51m move from Aston Villa to Premier League champions Arsenal, signing a four-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.
The 28-year-old England defender said he was proud to join what he described as “one of the best teams in the world” and is targeting more trophies with the Gunners.
“It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa said.
“I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.”
The agreement, reached after weeks of negotiations, could earn Aston Villa a further £4m in add-ons.
Arsenal moved for Konsa as they deal with defensive injuries ahead of the new season.
William Saliba has been ruled out for an extended period with a back problem, while Jurrien Timber is also expected to miss the opening weeks with a groin injury.
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That leaves Ben White as Arsenal’s only fit senior right-back, with 21-year-old Cristhian Mosquera the only right-sided centre-back available to partner Gabriel Magalhaes.
Konsa’s ability to play both centre-back and right-back gives manager Mikel Arteta an additional option.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said: “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.”
Konsa joined Villa from Brentford in July 2019 and made 286 appearances for the club.
He helped Villa win the Europa League in May, their first major trophy since 1982, and made 48 appearances last season, scoring twice and providing one assist as Unai Emery’s side finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League.
Konsa also played in every match for England as Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Argentina before beating France in the bronze medal match.
He was given four weeks off by Emery after the tournament and did not feature in Villa’s pre-season matches, including their 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
Konsa becomes another major addition to an Arsenal squad that has already spent more than £100m this summer.
The Gunners signed midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for £75m and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis for £34m. They also made defender Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent.
Arsenal’s defensive strength was central to their title success last season, with the champions conceding just 27 goals in the Premier League.
The arrival of Konsa provides Arteta with further cover as Arsenal prepare to defend their title and compete in the Champions League.
