Arsenal Agree £51m Deal To Sign Aston Villa Defender Konsa

Arsenal have agreed a £51 million deal with Aston Villa to sign England defender Ezri Konsa, according to reports.

The Gunners have been looking to strengthen their defence following injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, who are both facing extended spells on the sidelines.

Konsa has been Arsenal’s defensive target throughout the summer, with Villa initially valuing the 28-year-old at £60m.

However, Arsenal were unwilling to meet that valuation before the two clubs eventually reached an agreement for £51m.

Konsa, who has two years remaining on his Villa contract, was notably absent from Unai Emery’s squad for the club’s UEFA Super Cup defeat by Paris Saint-Germain last week.

The England international is now expected to complete the move to north London, subject to the formalities of the transfer.

If the deal is not completed in time for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Coventry on Friday, Konsa could make his debut against his former club Aston Villa on August 31.

Arsenal’s trip to Villa Park is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.