'Hungry to win' - Konsa joins Arsenal from Aston Villa in £51m deal

Arsenal has bolstered its defense by completing the £51 million signing of England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender has agreed to a four-year contract, with an option for an additional year, and expressed his excitement about joining the Premier League champions.

"It's a privilege to be here and can't wait to get started," Konsa stated. "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."

The transfer follows weeks of negotiations, with an agreement reached that could see Aston Villa receive an additional £4 million in add-ons. Konsa joins Arsenal after a successful spell at Villa, where he made 286 appearances since July 2019. He was a key player in their Europa League victory, the club's first major trophy since 1982, and contributed two goals and one assist in 48 appearances last season as Villa secured Champions League football.

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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.

Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, highlighted Konsa's qualities, stating, "Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers." Berta added that Konsa's versatility, comfortable playing in central defense and at right-back, will bring valuable flexibility to the squad.

The signing comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, as they face defensive challenges with key players William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently out injured. Saliba is sidelined with a long-term back issue, while Timber is recovering from a groin problem. This situation leaves Ben White as Arsenal's only fit right-back, making Konsa's arrival a significant boost to their defensive depth.

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Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers. Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.