Aug 21 (Reuters) - Arsenal have signed England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa on a long-term contract, the Premier League champions said on Friday as they boosted their defensive options.
The 28-year-old joins the North London club in a deal worth a reported 55 million pounds ($74.94 million) including add-ons, according to British media.
“I’m super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa said in a statement.
“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 arrives at the Emirates Stadium after six seasons at Villa, where he made 286 appearances following his move from Brentford in 2019.
A key figure in Villa's Europa League-winning campaign last season, he played 48 games in all competitions.
Konsa also featured for England at the 2026 World Cup, starting seven matches and scoring in the third-place playoff against France which England won 6-4. He has 28 caps.
The versatile defender is expected to play an important role for Arsenal this season as they deal with injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Saliba faces an extended spell out with a back injury, while Timber has struggled with a groin problem since March and was not fit enough to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City later on Friday.
($1 = 0.7339 pounds)
(Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
