Ezri Konsa has joined Arsenal from Aston Villa, the club has confirmed.
Sources told ESPN that the clubs agreed a deal in the region of £51 million ($69.4m), plus add-ons worth £4m, for the England defender. Villa originally rejected a bid of £30m ($40.8m) earlier this summer.
Konsa arrives in north London to bolster Arsenal’s squad as they look to defend their Premier League title and go one better in the Champions League this season, after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final in May.
He won’t play any part in his new side’s Premier League opener against Coventry on Friday night so could debut against former club Villa next Monday.
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“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world,” Konsa told club media.
“So yeah, a lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first matchday.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta said: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa.
“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.
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“We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, and strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play. Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact within our club.
“We welcome Ezri and his family to Arsenal.”
Konsa can play centre-back or right-back and will provide depth to Mikel Arteta’s side with William Saliba and Jurriën Timber set to miss the start of the season with injury.
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The 28-year-old was a key part of England’s run to the semifinals at the FIFA World Cup, helping Thomas Thuchel’s side to a third place finish in north America.
His departure is another blow to Aston Villa, who have seen Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans leave for Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively.
Information from ESPN’s James Olley contributed to this report.
