Arsenal Complete £51m Konsa Transfer as Partey Moves to Al-Shabab

Arsenal have completed the signing of England international defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth £51 million.

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League champions, with an option to extend his stay for another season. Arsenal could also pay an additional £4 million to Aston Villa in performance-related add-ons.

Konsa becomes one of Arsenal’s major additions ahead of the new campaign as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options. The move comes after the Arsenal manager confirmed that the club needed another defender following William Saliba’s long-term injury.

Speaking after completing his transfer, Konsa expressed his excitement about joining the North London club.

“It’s a privilege to be here, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win, and that’s what I’m here for. It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.”

Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in July 2019 and went on to make 286 appearances for the club. He established himself as a reliable defender in the Premier League and became an important member of Villa’s squad.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised Konsa’s quality and highlighted his ability to play in more than one defensive position.

“Ezri is a defender of high quality,” Berta said. “Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.”

Konsa’s ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back is expected to give Arteta greater tactical flexibility as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League title.

The Gunners had also considered Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarrell Quansah before eventually reaching an agreement with Aston Villa for Konsa.

Partey Joins Al-Shabab

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has completed a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.

The Ghana international has signed a one-year contract with the Saudi side after leaving Villarreal.

Partey, 33, made 32 appearances for Villarreal during the 2025/26 season, but the Spanish club opted against extending his contract.

The midfielder spent five years with Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, making 167 appearances for the Gunners before moving to Villarreal.

Before his time in England and Spain, Partey enjoyed a successful spell with Atletico Madrid, where he developed into one of Europe’s recognised defensive midfielders.

His move to Al-Shabab marks another chapter in the Ghanaian midfielder’s career, while Arsenal’s acquisition of Konsa strengthens the club’s defensive depth ahead of another demanding season.

Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries Over Alleged Fake Agency

Governor Dauda Lawal Distributes Official Vehicles to Judicial Officers, Clears Over ₦600 Million Allowance Backlog