Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sides are built from the back, with defensive discipline providing the foundation for his relentless pursuit of control both during matches and behind the scenes.
That philosophy helps explain why the £55million arrival of Ezri Konsa is such an important move for Arteta, even as supporters continue to demand another attacking signing before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
William Saliba is expected to miss an extended spell with a back injury, while Jurrien Timber is dealing with a long-term groin problem. At 28, Konsa therefore arrives as a signing that addresses several immediate needs.
The England international is outstanding in one-on-one contests, a quality Arteta values highly in his defenders. Aston Villa’s most famous supporter, Prince William, once likened him to a ‘Rolls-Royce’. Konsa won more ground duels than any other Premier League player last season, recording a 73.1 per cent success rate. Virgil van Dijk was second on 70 per cent, while Arsenal’s Gabriel posted 69.9 per cent.
Konsa is also exceptionally reliable in possession. His 95.5 per cent passing accuracy was the best among Premier League defenders last season, compared with 92.9 per cent for Saliba, Arsenal’s highest-ranked player in that category. Like fellow new arrival Bruno Guimaraes, Konsa already understands the demands of English football, giving him a strong chance of settling quickly into Arteta’s system.
His ability to cover more than one position strengthens the case for his signing. Centre back remains Konsa’s natural role, but he occasionally played at right back under Unai Emery at Aston Villa and filled that position for Thomas Tuchel during the World Cup. That flexibility could prove valuable while Timber works his way back to full fitness, particularly given Ben White’s injury problems in recent seasons.
Ezri Konsa (right) excels in defensive duels, a quality Mikel Arteta prizes in a player once described as a ‘Rolls-Royce’ by Aston Villa’s most famous supporter, Prince William
Konsa led the Premier League for ground duels won last season, succeeding in 73.1 per cent of his contests ahead of Virgil van Dijk on 70 per cent
Recent seasons have shown Arteta the risks of lacking dependable centre-back cover when injuries strike his first-choice defenders.
In 2024-25, Jakub Kiwior stepped in for the injured Gabriel from April onwards. The Poland international performed creditably, including starts in both legs of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid. Even so, the gap between the regular starters and their replacement was clear, with Arsenal looking less secure when defending set pieces.
The memory of Arsenal’s 2022-23 title run-in may also have influenced the decision. Rob Holding replaced Saliba during that campaign but was unable to match the Frenchman’s level as the club’s challenge for the Premier League crown faded.
Konsa now adds further depth to an already imposing defensive unit. Arsenal can call on Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Timber, Piero Hincapie and White as players with significant experience at centre back.
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Konsa’s England colleagues Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all encouraged him to move to Arsenal during the World Cup. His closest relationship is with Saka, who even FaceTimed Konsa during Aston Villa’s Europa League parade.
The pair also worked together during the 2024 Euros, holding private one-on-one sessions designed to improve both players. Saka later said Konsa had ‘made him better’.
Arteta confirmed on Thursday that Konsa is available for Monday’s meeting with Villa. However, the defender has not featured in a competitive match since England’s third-place play-off win over France in Miami on July 18. His adjustment period will therefore be closely watched, particularly because the right-sided centre-back role—usually occupied by Saliba—is central to Arsenal’s build-up play and demands a precise understanding of Arteta’s methods.
Konsa was born in Silvertown, east London, and developed at Senrab FC, the Sunday league club that also produced Ledley King, John Terry and Sol Campbell. Despite growing up just across north London, he supported Tottenham.
During the World Cup, Arsenal’s England internationals Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice (right) and Bukayo Saka urged Konsa to make the move
Konsa endured a difficult opening period at Aston Villa before developing under manager Dean Smith
A move to Arsenal is somewhat unexpected given that Konsa may not be an automatic starter, but the prospect of competing for major trophies appealed to him—and he believes he can force his way into the team
His Aston Villa career began unevenly after he joined from Brentford in the summer of 2019. The step up from the Championship required time to adjust to Premier League football, but Konsa made important progress during Dean Smith’s tenure. He worked closely with assistant coach John Terry in frequent one-on-one sessions and quickly began to see the benefits.
Emery, upon arriving at Villa in October 2022, initially wasn’t so sure on the defender. Yet Konsa proved himself, becoming a regular starter and key player for Emery, with the vice-captaincy taken off Emi Martinez and given to the centre back. The player’s performances in the Champions League stood out, his display in the 2024-25 quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain a highlight.
It’s something of a surprise that Konsa has moved to a team where he is unlikely to regularly start, yet the allure of trophies is strong, and he backs himself to break through.
The arrival of Konsa isn’t the blockbuster signing Arsenal fans craved. Yet it serves a crucial aim in north London: preserving a formidable backline, which is Arsenal’s greatest strength.