Ezri Konsa has had his Arsenal shirt number confirmed after completing a £55million transfer from Aston Villa. The England international will wear the No15 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year-old has joined Arsenal from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, providing depth and experience in central defence and at right-back. Standard Sport understands the Gunners have paid an initial fee of £51m, plus £4m in potential add-ons.
Four-year contract signed
Konsa has signed a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, with the option of a further 12 months. He said: “I’m super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started.”
“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.”
Versatility and playing style
“I like to build up from the back and I like to have a lot of the ball. It's Mikel's style and from what I've seen from games, it's the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a little bit more,” he added.
“It's good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right-back and centre-back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”
Shirt number history
The No15 shirt was previously owned by Jakub Kiwior and has also been worn by the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Denilson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles during the Emirates Stadium era. Konsa had the same number at Villa during the 2019-20 season before moving to No4 for the rest of his time at Villa Park. During the summer he wore No2 for England at the World Cup.
Konsa has not been registered in time to make his Arsenal debut against Coventry on Friday night, meaning his first appearance for the Gunners may come at Villa Park on August 31.
