Arsenal agree £50m-plus deal with Aston Villa to sign Konsa

Arsenal have agreed a deal worth more than £50m to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa

The England international is set to have a medical before completing his move to Emirates Stadium. Last week, Arsenal reopened talks with Villa over a deal for Konsa but still fell short of reaching an agreement.

The Gunners then appeared to pivot to Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah. However, Arsenal refocused their efforts on Konsa and have now struck a deal for the player with Villa.

The 28-year-old, who joined the Villans in July 2019, has made 286 appearances over the past seven seasons. 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.

Konsa has not featured at all during Aston Villa's pre‑season, including the 2‑1 defeat to Paris St‑Germain in the Uefa Super Cup, after Emery gave him four weeks off following the World Cup. He played in every game of England's World Cup run as the Three Lions finished third.

Speaking after the final warm‑up match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Emery explained the absence of Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, saying: "They are joining us after this match."