Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s campaigns are built on defensive discipline. A strong backline is central to the manager’s wider pursuit of control, both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
That is why the £55million arrival of Ezri Konsa represents an important move for Arteta, even as attention remains focused on calls for Arsenal to sign another attacker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
With William Saliba facing an extended absence because of a back injury and Jurrien Timber out with a long-term groin problem, the 28-year-old defender addresses several pressing needs.
Konsa is outstanding in one-on-one contests, a quality Arteta highly values. Aston Villa’s most famous supporter, Prince William, once described him as a ‘Rolls-Royce’. Last season, Konsa won more ground duels than any other Premier League player, recording a success rate of 73.1 per cent. Virgil van Dijk was next on 70 per cent, while Arsenal’s Gabriel posted 69.9 per cent.
His distribution is another strength. Konsa produced the best passing accuracy among Premier League defenders last season at 95.5 per cent. Saliba was Arsenal’s highest-ranked player in that category, finishing eighth overall with 92.9 per cent. Like fellow new arrival Bruno Guimaraes, Konsa already understands the demands of English football and could settle into Arteta’s system quickly.
Konsa’s ability to operate in more than one position gives Arsenal further flexibility. Centre back is his preferred role, although he occasionally played right back under Unai Emery at Aston Villa and also featured there for Thomas Tuchel during the World Cup. That experience could prove valuable while Timber works his way back to full fitness, particularly given Ben White’s injury struggles in recent seasons.
Ezri Konsa (right) excels in physical duels, a quality Mikel Arteta prizes in a defender once dubbed a ‘Rolls-Royce’ by Aston Villa supporter Prince William
Konsa’s 73.1 per cent ground-duel success rate was the Premier League’s best last season, ahead of Virgil van Dijk’s 70 per cent
Arteta has experienced the problems that can arise when a squad lacks reliable central-defensive cover, especially when injuries affect key players.
In 2024-25, Jakub Kiwior deputised for the injured Gabriel from April onwards. The Poland international performed credibly, starting both legs of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid, but the difference from the regular starters was still apparent. Arsenal looked less secure when defending set pieces.
There is also a reminder of the 2022-23 run-in, when Rob Holding replaced Saliba. He was unable to match the Frenchman’s level as Arsenal’s title challenge faltered.
Konsa strengthens an already impressive defensive unit. Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Timber, Piero Hincapie and White all bring significant experience at centre back.
Arsenal’s England internationals Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka urged Konsa to make the move during the World Cup. He has a particularly close relationship with Saka, who FaceTimed him during Aston Villa’s Europa League parade.
The pair also worked together during the 2024 Euros, holding private one-on-one sessions to improve their respective games. 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 played competitive football since England’s third-place play-off win over France in Miami on July 18. His adaptation will be closely watched, particularly because the right-sided centre-back role — usually occupied by Saliba — is so important to Arsenal’s build-up play.
Konsa was born in Silvertown, east London, and came through Senrab FC, the Sunday league club that has also produced Ledley King, John Terry and Sol Campbell. Despite that Arsenal connection, he grew up supporting neighbours Tottenham.
England team-mates Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice (right) and Bukayo Saka encouraged Konsa to join Arsenal during the World Cup
Konsa endured a difficult start at Aston Villa before developing under manager Dean Smith
Although regular starts may not be guaranteed at Arsenal, Konsa has been drawn by the chance to compete for trophies and believes he can establish himself
His Villa career began unevenly after he joined from Brentford in the summer of 2019. The step up from the Championship required an adjustment to Premier League football, but he made significant progress under Dean Smith. Konsa worked closely with assistant coach John Terry during that period and felt the benefit of the individual guidance.
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.
