Arsenal have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
England defender Konsa, 28, has signed a four-year contract with an option for a further year with the Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old had his medical on Thursday ahead of completing his £55m move from Aston Villa – the fee is £51m plus £4m in add-ons.
The Gunners’ latest signing arrives hours before they begin their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
The fee is a triumph for Villa as Arsenal initially valued the 28-year-old, who had two years remaining on his contract, at £30m.
He was not part of Unai Emery‘s squad for the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week as he was away on holiday after the World Cup.
Arsenal have signed Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa in a £51million deal
Konsa featured 48 times last term in all competitions, scoring two goals and contributing one assist, as Unai Emery’s side lifted the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for 2026-27.
He also sported the armband in John McGinn’s absence as Villa’s vice captain.
Konsa played in every game of England’s World Cup run as the country finished third.
Konsa started seven of the Three Lions’ eight matches at the tournament, with Thomas Tuchel largely partnering him with Marc Guehi at the heart of the defence.
He also filled in at right back during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway.
