Arsenal have bolstered their squad on the day they open the defence of their Premier League crown by signing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
The central defender has completed his move to the Emirates, according to The Athletic, but won’t be considered for tonight’s game with newly promoted Coventry.
Arsenal moved for another defender with doubts surrounding William Saliba’s fitness with the France international struggling with a back problem that could sideline him for several weeks.
Konsa will cost the Gunners £51million with another £4m in potential add-ons. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Arsenal with the option for a fifth after passing his medical.
The England international made 286 appearances for Villa after joining from Brentford in 2019, 231 of which came in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the leading top-flight centre-halves over that period.
Konsa deal strengthens already formidable Arsenal
By joining Arsenal, he strengthens the most formidable squad in the Premier League. Konsa will compete with the likes of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero HIncapie for a place alongside Gabriel at the heart of the back four until Saliba returns.
Arsenal, who beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend, have also signed Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis in the summer window.
Konsa’s departure is another blow to Villa, who have also lost Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans over recent weeks.
Unai Emery’s men open their Premier League campaign at Brighton on Sunday.
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