Ezri Konsa Sends First Arsenal Message, Jersey Number Revealed

Arsenal have completed the signing of Aston Villa and England center back Ezri Konsa, believed to be in the region of £51 million ($69.4 million).

The 28-year-old, who will wear the No. 15 shirt at Emirates Stadium, played a crucial role in Villa’s success over the past few years, first by qualifying for the Champions League, before winning last season’s Europa League. Konsa’s form has not gone unnoticed at the international level either, with Thomas Tuchel making him a key component of England’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Amid a desire to strengthen their grip on the Premier League and continue to challenge on multiple fronts, Arsenal identified Konsa as a potential signing to reinforce their defense. With William Saliba and Jürrien Timber out injured, the Englishman provides quality cover at both center back and at right back—a position Konsa took up against Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals.

“I’m super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa told club media after signing a long-term contract. “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.”

Konsa Excited About Joining Arsenal’s Defensive Unit

Gabriel Magalhães (left) and William Saliba (right) are the standard setters. | David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

Arsenal’s foundation for success has been laid by those who sit in front of goalkeeper David Raya. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are widely regarded as the best center back pairing in the world, while Cristhian Mosquera provides decent cover on the right side.

Throw the versatile Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié into the mix, and Arsenal now have eight players who are capable of playing in central defense—and that doesn’t include Declan Rice, who has played the position before for both West Ham United and England.

“The chemistry they have, they all want to defend for each other, the love they have for defending, they love keeping the ball out of the net which is what you have to do as a defender,” Konsa said of his new teammates.

“But I just love the way they are together. What they've built over the past few years has been special.”

“I like to build up from the back and I like to have a lot of the ball. It's Mikel's style and from what I've seen from games, it's the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a little bit more,” he added, speaking about his personal playing style.

“It's good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right back and center back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”

What Arsenal Said About Signing Konsa

Andrea Berta, Sporting Director: “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.”

What Others Have Said About Konsa

Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager, when a deal was close: “I am delighted with everything we did together, some players are leaving, Konsa is close to leaving, and I am happy for him and the other players.”

Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United and England defender: “I think this is a magnificent signing. A player in his prime who knows exactly who he is and what he is. There’s no frills about him. He’s a solid, really, really, really good Premier League defender.”

Dean Smith, former Aston Villa and current Charlotte FC as manager: “Signed him twice, once from Charlton for Brentford and then for Villa from Brentford as well. He’s like a Rolls-Royce, love the way he plays.

“He’s actually one of the most fouled center backs I’ve ever seen as well. He wins free kicks like no other center back can. But yeah, he’s come on leaps and bounds and, you know, people started likening him to Paul McGrath at Villa and Paul McGrath’s known as God.”

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