Ezri Konsa has completed his move to Arsenal, which means he can now team up with Bukayo Saka, who has been vocal in praising his compatriot as one of the best defenders out there.
The Gunners have been in the market for defensive reinforcements and finally secured a deal with Aston Villa for Konsa, who joins for £51million. Arsenal are without the injured William Saliba, and Konsa's quality and versatility mean he can play across the backline.
Saka's praise from England sessions
Those assets have helped him become a regular in the England picture, and it was whilst on international duty that he left his mark on Saka. The duo chose to do extras together, leaving Konsa to try and defend against the Arsenal winger in a one-on-one situation.
Saka was open about his admiration for Konsa, with his comments coming back in 2024, and Konsa was touched to hear praise from such a respected player. Konsa recalled the incident: “I think it was a couple of years ago with England, we did some one-on-one sessions, me against him, and yeah, I gave him a good test. I take a lot of pride in defending, I love defending so to hear that praise from him is nice.”
Joining a strong defensive unit
The England international will come into a defensive unit that includes the likes of Saliba, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie. They are regarded among the best in Europe and last season kept 19 Premier League clean sheets as Arsenal finally ended their wait for title glory.
Arsenal's defensive quality was also key in them making the Champions League final, and Konsa wants to compliment what they have at the Emirates. He told the club's website: “The chemistry they have, they all want to defend for each other, the love they have for defending, they love keeping the ball out of the net which is what you have to do as a defender. But I just love the way they are together. What they've built over the past few years has been special.”
Summer moves at Arsenal
Konsa's move means he joins the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis in moving to north London this summer. Mikel Arteta is also understood to be eyeing another attacking addition before the transfer window shuts.
