By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, 19 August 2026 - Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the England international now set to become the latest major addition to Mikel Arteta's defensive options.
The deal is worth around £50 million plus add-ons, with the latest reporting putting the guaranteed figure at approximately £51 million. Personal terms have been agreed on a long-term contract, while Konsa is expected to undergo his Arsenal medical on Thursday before completing the transfer.
The breakthrough comes after several weeks of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs. Arsenal had identified Konsa as one of their leading defensive targets, while Villa initially placed a valuation of around £60 million or more on the 28-year-old. The two sides have now found common ground.
Arsenal's pursuit of Konsa has been driven largely by their defensive situation.
William Saliba is facing an extended absence with a back injury, while Jurrien Timber has also been dealing with a groin problem. That left Arteta needing additional defensive depth ahead of the new campaign.
Konsa's versatility made him particularly attractive.
Primarily a right-sided centre-back, the England international can also operate at right-back, giving Arteta another option in both positions. His ability to cover multiple defensive roles was one of the major reasons Arsenal prioritised him over alternative targets.
Arsenal had also explored a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah, but negotiations for Konsa eventually accelerated.
Konsa leaves Villa after establishing himself as one of the club's most dependable defenders.
Since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019, he has developed into a key figure at Villa Park, helping the club progress from a Premier League relegation battle to European football and a return to the Champions League.
His performances also earned him an increasingly important role with England.
The defender's reputation grew further during the 2026 World Cup, where his performances strengthened interest from Arsenal and other clubs. Villa had been reluctant to sell, particularly because Konsa remained an important part of Unai Emery's squad.
However, the financial package offered by Arsenal has now proved sufficient to convince Villa to sanction the departure.
Konsa's departure represents another significant change for Aston Villa during a remarkably active summer.
Villa have already seen several important players leave, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while uncertainty continues around goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Ollie Watkins.
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The club have also been rebuilding, bringing in players including Zion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri, but losing a defender of Konsa's experience creates another vacancy for Emery to address.
For Arsenal, meanwhile, the signing represents an opportunity to add an experienced Premier League defender without needing a lengthy adaptation period.
Konsa's profile fits several of Arteta's requirements.
He is comfortable defending in a high line, possesses strong recovery pace and has extensive Premier League experience. His ability to play both centrally and at right-back is particularly valuable given Arsenal's current injury situation.
There is also an element of security in the deal.
At 28, Konsa is entering the prime years of his career rather than arriving as a developmental project. Arsenal are therefore acquiring a player who can immediately compete for a starting position while providing experienced cover when their squad is fully fit.
The signing could also reduce the pressure on Arsenal's remaining centre-backs during Saliba's recovery.
Although the clubs have agreed the transfer, Konsa must still complete his medical and sign the final documentation before the move becomes official.
The current expectation is for those formalities to take place within the next 48 hours, with the medical scheduled for Thursday.
Once completed, Konsa will become an Arsenal player and give Arteta another experienced option as the reigning Premier League champions prepare for a demanding season.
Arsenal have got their man. A £50m-plus agreement has been reached with Aston Villa, personal terms are in place, and Ezri Konsa is now just a medical and final paperwork away from becoming an Arsenal player.
Arsenal Agree Deal to Sign Ezri Konsa From Aston Villa in £50m+ Transfer
Konsa is set to complete his medical and sign the final documentation before the move becomes official.