Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has expressed his enthusiasm about Ezri Konsa completing his move to the north London club from Aston Villa. The defender, aged 28, has officially finalised his switch to the Premier League titleholders, with the transfer reportedly worth up to £55million when add-ons are included.
The two England internationals developed a strong connection during the World Cup earlier this year, where Konsa spent approximately six weeks alongside Saka and other Arsenal players representing their country. Their bond extends beyond that tournament, with Saka notably calling Konsa during Aston Villa’s open-top bus celebration through Birmingham after their Europa League victory against Freiburg.
Saka, speaking after finding the net against Coventry City, admitted he is eager to reunite with his friend at club level, describing their relationship as something he struggles to put into words and expressing how they have got along well since first meeting during England duty. He voiced his happiness at having Konsa join the squad, citing both their personal connection and his recognition of the player’s quality.
Konsa was present at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening as Arsenal cruised past Coventry City 3-0 under Frank Lampard’s management. Prior to attending the match, the centre-back was already undertaking training sessions at London Colney under the guidance of Arsenal’s first-team physical performance coach Toby Griffiths, completing work both in the gymnasium and on the training ground.
The adaptable defender could potentially make his first appearance for Arsenal when they face his former club Aston Villa at Villa Park on August 31, although he will need to increase his match sharpness having not played any competitive football this season.
Mikel Arteta has welcomed the acquisition, explaining that the club required an additional player who would complement the existing squad rather than duplicate existing qualities. He emphasised the importance of experience in the centre-back position within the Premier League.
Andrea Berta, who managed the negotiation, shared his satisfaction with the signing, describing Konsa as a high-calibre defender whose combination of athleticism, composure, and tactical awareness has made him one of the league’s most reliable performers. He noted that Konsa’s ability to operate effectively in central defence and at right-back will provide the squad with valuable flexibility while maintaining the defensive excellence crucial to their ambitions of securing major honours. The club views Konsa as a player with established top-flight and international experience who will seamlessly integrate into their tactical approach, while also bringing the character and drive to make an immediate positive contribution to the club’s environment.