Arsenal ‘closing in’ on Konsa signing: ‘Best in the world’ star a great fit for Arteta

19 Aug 2026 12:14 BST | 4 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

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Arsenal are close to completing their third major signing of the summer, with Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa close to moving to the Gunners, according to David Ornstein.

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FootballTransfers revealed in early August that Arsenal had been in contact with Villa over a deal for Konsa at a time they were also studying the possibility of signing Cristian Romero, who subsequently joined Atletico Madrid from Tottenham.

The 28-year-old has been a leading target for the Premier League champions all summer and are now close to ‘finalising’ a deal, The Athletic reports.

Current ETV

Ezri Konsa

D (C)

A. Villa

Ezri Konsa

D (C)

A. Villa

ETV Range

€32.1M - €39.3M

Arsenal started the summer seeking an additional defensive reinforcement, but their hunt has been given additional fuel since it was confirmed that Jurrien Timber is still weeks away from returning to action while William Saliba is also facing a period out.

Konsa has emerged as a clear favourite to join the Gunners, despite interest also in Jarell Quansah, but there is still a major hurdle to clear before any deal is completed.

The clubs still have a gap in their valuation of the player, with talks said to be “advancing with Aston Villa” to complete the move.

Chelsea star hails Konsa: He’s the best in the world

England team-mate Morgan Rogers hailed Konsa, who he worked with at Aston Villa, as a world-class talent.

Speaking following England’s win over Norway at the World Cup, Chelsea’s record signing said: “I think he’s one of the best centre-backs in football, if I’m honest, I think at this World Cup.

“I think the ability that he’s got, he can do everything as a centre-back, never gets beaten in the air, strong in the tackle, unbelievable on the ball.

“Honestly, I don’t know a flaw in his game, and I think that’s helped Villa that probably a bigger club has not taken him in the last few years.

“I think that’s helped us, because I honestly don’t know a problem in his game, really.”

Data analysis: Konsa a great fit for Arsenal

Konsa is a very strong fit for Arsenal, according to the analysis of SciSports, whose Career Advice tool scores potential deals based on a variety of factors, including potential development, game time, playing style and formation.

The Gunners score a very healthy 81 in this regard, with playing time the main concern for Konsa at the Emirates Stadium.

He will, however, have ample opportunities in the early part of the season with Saliba set to miss out for several more weeks due to a back complaint picked up at the World Cup.

Konsa can also fill in for Timber at right-back if required, with Arteta seemingly favouring a centre-back profile in these wide areas of his defence.