England and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is set to trade Birmingham for North London, with Arsenal and Aston Villa agreeing a deal for his transfer.
The agreed fee is reportedly £51 million, despite Aston Villa’s initial £60 million evaluation of the defender.
Arsenal opt for Konsa over Quansah
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah, who, like Konsa, can play as both a centre-back and right-back, was another target for the Gunners.
However, Arsenal eventually opted to sign the Villa defender.
Arsenal’s gain will be Aston Villa’s loss.
During the 2025-26 Premier League season, Konsa won the most ground duels, a profile that Mikel Arteta appreciates, ahead of the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel.
With William Saliba set to miss an extended period with a back injury and Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a long-term groin issue, defensive reinforcements were needed at Arsenal.
Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are both available and featured in the Gunners’ victory over Manchester City in the recent FA Community Shield.
However, White does not have the best fitness record, while squad depth proved vital to Arsenal’s 2025-26 season, which saw them win the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
READ MORE: Chelsea news: Ruud Gullit backs Xabi Alonso after Henderson, Welbeck signings
When could Konsa make his Arsenal debut?
Arsenal will play the opening Premier League fixture against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 20.
For Konsa to be available for selection against Coventry, he will need to be registered by midday BST on Thursday, August 20.
If he does not feature in the opening game, his Arsenal debut could come against Aston Villa on Monday, August 31, at Villa Park.
Konsa has not featured for Villa during pre-season, as he was among the players given an extended break by the club following their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Who could replace Konsa at Aston Villa?
It will not be easy for the Villans to replace the 28-year-old.
However, there are already potential replacements in mind, with Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo reportedly seen as a potential target.
Should Aston Villa push to sign Adarabioyo, they will have to compete with Marseille, Benfica and Sevilla, who are also reportedly interested in signing the Chelsea defender.
READ NEXT: F1 news: Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon sign new deals with Williams; James Vowles delighted
Juliette White 
Michael Davey