Ezri Konsa makes Arsenal vow after completing transfer: “I’m hungry to win”

Ezri Konsa has completed his move from Aston Villa to Arsenal on a long-term contract, with the England international making his ambitions clear after signing at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

The 28-year-old described the move to north London as a privilege and immediately outlined his desire to compete for major honours with the Premier League champions.

“I’m super excited. It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa said in his first interview as an Arsenal player.

“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 already knows Arsenal’s England contingent

Konsa arrives with several familiar faces already inside Mikel Arteta’s squad. He played alongside Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka at the World Cup, giving him an insight into life at Arsenal.

“They said it’s very enjoyable, they said I’ll enjoy it. I’ve got a good relationship and I’m looking forward to training with them and playing with them.”

Saka, in particular, already knows what Konsa can bring defensively. The Arsenal winger praised the defender in 2024 after the pair worked together during additional one-on-one sessions with England.

Recalling those sessions, Konsa said:

“I think it was a couple of years ago with England, we did some one-on-one sessions, me against him, and yeah, I gave him a good test.”

“I take a lot of pride in defending, I love defending so to hear that praise from him is nice.”

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A defender suited to Arteta’s demands

Konsa joins an Arsenal defence that kept 19 Premier League clean sheets during last season’s title-winning campaign and believes the collective mentality of the back line was a major attraction.

Having faced Arsenal 14 times previously, he said:

“The chemistry they have, they all want to defend for each other, the love they have for defending, they love keeping the ball out of the net which is what you have to do as a defender.”

“But I just love the way they are together. What they’ve built over the past few years has been special.”

The defender can operate at both centre-back and right-back, providing Arteta with additional tactical flexibility.

“I like to build up from the back and I like to have a lot of the ball. It’s Mikel’s style and from what I’ve seen from games, it’s the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a little bit more.”

He added:

“It’s good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right-back and centre-back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”

From Villa survival battle to Arsenal’s title challenge

Konsa spent seven seasons at Aston Villa after joining from Brentford, progressing from a player involved in a battle for Premier League survival to a defender who helped the club win the Europa League.

“That’s what I’m here for, to win. Hungry for more. I had a taste of it last season with the Europa League and I want to go for it all.”

He also paid tribute to Villa for his development.

“I’m very proud [of my time at Aston Villa]. Very grateful for what they did for me in my career, joining them as a boy and left as a man.”

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Konsa began his senior career with Charlton Athletic in 2016 before moving to Brentford in 2018. His performances there earned him a Premier League move to Villa in 2019, where he made more than 200 Premier League appearances.

He has also represented England at Under-20 and Under-21 level before making his senior debut in 2023 and featuring at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

Berta: “Proven Premier League and international experience”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed Konsa and highlighted the qualities he believes the defender will bring.

“Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers.”

Berta also pointed to Konsa’s versatility, leadership and ability to adapt to Arsenal’s style while maintaining the defensive standards required to compete for major trophies.

Konsa will wear No. 15 and join his new Arsenal teammates immediately.