Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the defender signing a four-year contract worth £55 million, plus a one-year extension option.

The agreement, finalised on Wednesday after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, could also net Aston Villa an additional £4 million in performance-related add-ons.

"We are delighted to announce that England international Ezri Konsa has joined us from Aston Villa on a long-term contract," Arsenal said in their official statement on Friday.

A career built on consistency

Konsa, 28, began his professional journey at Charlton Athletic, making his senior debut in 2016 and quickly standing out as one of the club's most exciting young defenders. After two seasons at The Valley, he moved to Brentford in 2018, where his performances across the 2018/19 season raised his profile significantly.

That form earned him a switch to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2019, where he would go on to make over 200 appearances across all competitions in seven seasons at Villa Park. His ability to play both at centre-back and right-back made him one of the division's most versatile and dependable defenders.

England recognition and international experience

At international level, Konsa progressed through England's Under-20 and Under-21 sides before earning his senior debut in 2023. He has since become a fixture in the England squad, representing his country at UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Saliba injury opens door

Konsa's move to the Emirates Stadium was accelerated by an injury to French defender William Saliba, making the signing a priority for Arsenal heading into the new season. Whether Konsa features in Arsenal's Premier League opener against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium remains to be confirmed.