Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51m

Premier League champions Arsenal have signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth £51 million ($69 million).

“We are delighted to announce that England international Ezri Konsa has joined us from Aston Villa on a long-term contract,” Arsenal said in a statement on Friday.

Konsa joined the Gunners just hours before they start their title defence against Coventry on Friday.

The 28-year-old’s arrival gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a major boost as he aims to lead the club to successive Premier League titles.

Konsa, who was a regular for England at the World Cup this year, will partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in the absence of France international William Saliba, who is sidelined for several months with a back problem.

Konsa could make his debut against his former employers when Arsenal travel to Villa on August 31.

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The defender said: “It’s a privilege to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. I’ll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world. A lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first match-day.”

Konsa is expected to be paraded before Arsenal fans ahead of Friday’s clash with Coventry in the opening game of the top-flight season at the Emirates Stadium.