Arsenal sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa to cover for injured William Saliba

Arsenal have signed England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa on a long-term contract, with the defender brought in to help replace William Saliba after the France international suffered an injury at the 2026 World Cup.

The club has not disclosed the length of Konsa’s contract, but confirmed the agreement as part of an active summer transfer window for the Premier League champions.

Konsa, 28, began his professional career with Charlton Athletic and made his first-team debut in 2016. He quickly established himself as one of the club’s leading young defenders before moving to Brentford in 2018.

He spent the 2018-19 season with Brentford and impressed during his time at the club. That form earned him a move to Aston Villa in the summer of 2019, marking the start of his career in the Premier League.

Konsa went on to make 286 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists. His performances also led to international recognition with England.

His arrival gives Arsenal an experienced defensive option as they prepare for the new campaign and cope with the absence of Saliba, who was injured while representing France at the World Cup.

Arsenal have also completed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the purchase clause in his agreement. The club’s other confirmed summer arrivals are Bruno Guimaraes, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis.

The Gunners began the season by winning the Community Shield, beating Manchester City 3-0. They finished last season as Premier League champions, ending the campaign seven points clear of runners-up Manchester City.

Arsenal start their title defence on Friday evening when they face Coventry City in the opening match of the new season at Emirates Stadium.

Konsa’s move is therefore the latest step in a summer of significant recruitment for Arsenal, who have strengthened several areas of their squad while preparing for the demands of another campaign at the top of English football. His ability to operate in defence, combined with his Premier League experience, provides the club with further depth at a time when Saliba’s injury has created an immediate need for reinforcements.

The transfer also brings an end to Konsa’s spell with Aston Villa, where he developed from a promising young defender into an established Premier League player. Arsenal will now look to him to settle quickly as they begin the season as champions and seek to maintain their advantage over Manchester City.

The opening fixture against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium will provide Konsa with his first opportunity to be involved with his new club, although the details of his role and selection have not been disclosed.