'I am hungry to win' - Arsenal complete the signing of Ezri Konsa and reveal his shirt number
Arsenal secure £55m deal
As reported by BBC Sport, Arsenal have finalised a £55 million agreement to bring Konsa to the Emirates Stadium. The defender has signed a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, and the club have confirmed he will wear the number 15 shirt.
Aston Villa could receive an additional £4m in add-ons for the player, who made 286 appearances and won the Europa League during his time at Villa Park. Arsenal have moved decisively to secure his signature after weeks of negotiations, bolstering a backline that has been hit by early-season fitness issues for William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
Konsa targets major trophies
Upon taking the number 15 shirt, Konsa shared his excitement about joining the club and linking up with his new team-mates. He revealed that he had already discussed the move with Arsenal players Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka during the World Cup.
"It's a privilege to be here and can't wait to get started," Konsa said. "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. They said I'll enjoy it. I'm looking forward to training with them and playing with them."
Defensive versatility for Arteta
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta outlined exactly why the club were so determined to bring the defender to north London. Berta highlighted the consistency and tactical flexibility that the new signing will offer to the squad.
Berta said: "Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers. Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies."
What is next for Konsa?
After a gruelling World Cup campaign where England claimed the Bronze medal, Konsa was granted four weeks of rest and missed the recent pre-season fixtures. He will now immediately begin training with his new Arsenal team-mates. Fans will be eager to see the number 15 make his highly anticipated debut when the club face Aston Villa on August 31.
