Arsenal have completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, making him their fifth permanent addition of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have agreed to pay £51million for the 28-year-old, with a further £4m in add-ons. Konsa has signed a four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Defensive reinforcement
Konsa's arrival bolsters Arsenal's defensive options, with William Saliba set for a spell on the sidelines with a back injury.
The England international leaves Villa after a seven-year spell in the Midlands. He joined the club from Brentford in 2019 and made 286 appearances, helping them to the Europa League last term and three seasons in European competition.
Instant reunion
Konsa could face his former club immediately, with Arsenal taking on Unai Emery's side next weekend in their second game of the campaign.
His arrival follows comments from Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick, who said the club would only sign players that take them to the next level this summer.
"It's players that are going to take Arsenal forward," Garlick said. "In the past we've looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level, but now we're competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial."
He added: "We said at the start of this season we're about to embark on that we're not going to stand still and pat ourselves on the back and say, 'Well done, job done, nothing else to do'. We want to move forward - the best clubs are always moving forward."
Garlick noted the club has already invested in the squad this season and would look to strengthen in all areas if the right opportunity arises. "The window's open for the next couple of weeks, and if there are players that are going to come in and move Arsenal forward, then we will look at that," he said.
He also highlighted the high standard now expected at the club, saying: "The standard now is high, though - the bar's been set winning the Premier League title and getting to the Champions League final. We're probably fishing in a smaller pool of quality players, and that means that it's tricky to land those players that are going to drive Arsenal forward. But if the right opportunity presents itself, we'll certainly be exploring it."
