Arsenal have agreed a £51million deal plus add-ons for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.The England international has said goodbyes to staff at Villa and is due to undergo a medical tomorrow.Arsenal have been looking for a new defender with William Saliba out for months after injuring his back and Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a long-term groin problem.The fee is a triumph for Villa as Arsenal initially valued the 28-year-old, who had two years remaining on his contract, at £30m.He was not part of Unai Emery’s squad for the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week as he was away on holiday after the World Cup.Konsa featured 48 times last term in all competitions, scoring two goals and contributing one assist, as Unai Emery’s side lifted the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for 2026-27.He also sported the armband in John McGinn’s absence as Villa’s vice captain. Arsenal and Aston Villa are closing on agreement for England international Ezri Konsa
Konsa played in every game of England’s World Cup run as the country finished third. Konsa started seven of the Three Lions’ eight matches at the tournament, with Thomas Tuchel largely partnering him with Marc Guehi at the heart of the defence.He also filled in at right back during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway.