If Arsenal has a position that does not need to prioritize strengthening in the summer of 2026, it is the defense. Mikel Arteta's team only conceded 27 goals in the Premier League last season.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba form a top center-back pair, while Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie can all play in the center of defense or drift to the two wings. However, the recent injuries of Saliba and Timber have forced Arsenal to recalculate.
Saliba has back problems and is expected to be out for a long time, while Timber is also treating a groin injury. Therefore, Arsenal quickly changed direction in the transfer market and reached an agreement to recruit Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
The fee of more than 50 million pounds for a 28-year-old defender is not a small investment. However, Konsa brings the versatility that Arteta needs. In addition to the center-back position, the England international can also take on the role of right-back.
Konsa also possesses impressive defensive stats. After 231 appearances in the Premier League, he has only been dribbed by the opponent 37 times, equivalent to 0.17 times per 90 minutes.
If considering the success rate in tackles, Konsa continues to be in the top group. Since joining Aston Villa in 2019, he has achieved a success rate of 74.8%, second only to Ethan Pinnock in the group of players with at least 100 matches in the Premier League. Saliba is also in the top group with a success rate of 73.8%.
The ability to maintain fitness is also Konsa's strength. In 7 seasons at Villa, only 7 players played more than him in the Premier League. He participated in at least 90% of the club's matches in 6 out of 7 seasons.
In passing ability, Konsa also shows stability. Last season, he achieved a passing accuracy rate of 95.5% in the Premier League and 93.8% when under pressure from the opponent. However, these numbers largely come from a safe playing style.
Konsa ranked seventh in the number of successful passes but only ranked 52nd in the number of passes breaking through the defense, with 192 times. This shows that he rarely risks making breakthrough passes.
This is not exactly a limitation for Arsenal. Konsa's role is likely similar to what he did at Aston Villa: keeping the ball, maintaining control and finding teammates capable of putting the ball forward. Saliba is also not the type of center-back who often makes risky passes.
Konsa also has the ability to make his mark in set pieces. He once scored with a header against France in the World Cup 2026 third-place match. However, this is not the outstanding strength of the English defender. Last season, he did not score any goals after 34 appearances in the Premier League.
On Arsenal's side, Konsa helps Arteta have another reliable option in the context of a defensive crisis. He has experience, good tackling ability and is suitable for flexibility requirements.
However, Konsa's position will not be guaranteed for a long time. When Saliba returns, he may have to compete with Cristhian Mosquera and even accept playing as a right-back, although this is not his forte position.
For Konsa, it could be a necessary trade-off to join a team competing on many fronts. As for Arsenal, this is a deal to ensure the depth of the defense in a difficult period.
