The experienced defender has signed from Aston Villa, although his availability for the Premier League opener remains uncertain.

David Ornstein has reported that Ezri Konsa‘s move from Aston Villa to Arsenal has now been completed, with the England international signing a four-year contract after passing his medical.
The transfer represents another significant addition to Mikel Arteta‘s squad, although it remains unclear whether Konsa will be available for Friday night’s Premier League opener against Coventry City.
Writing on Bluesky, Ornstein said: “Ezri Konsa completes move from Aston Villa to Arsenal. Final transfer fee for 28yo defender £51m + £4m add-ons to #AVFC. England international underwent #AFC medical yesterday & has now put pen to paper on 4yr contract with option of 5th 🚨”
🚨 Ezri Konsa completes move from Aston Villa to Arsenal. Final transfer fee for 28yo defender £51m + £4m add-ons to #AVFC. England international underwent #AFC medical yesterday & has now put pen to paper on 4yr contract with option of 5th 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/752…
— David Ornstein (@david-ornstein.bsky.social) 21 August 2026 at 08:32
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Konsa strengthens Arsenal’s options at both centre-back and right-back, arriving after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders during his time at Aston Villa.
The England international’s versatility gives Arteta another experienced right-sided defensive option alongside William Saliba and Jurrien Timber (when they’re fit), with Arsenal viewing him as a player capable of making an immediate impact.
Whether Konsa can make his debut against Coventry remains uncertain.
The defender needed to be registered by midday on Thursday to be eligible for Friday night’s Premier League opener, and reports earlier on Thursday suggested that deadline was unlikely to be met.
If that proves to be the case, his first opportunity to feature for Arsenal would come away to Aston Villa the following weekend, although the club have not confirmed his availability for either fixture.

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