Arsenal Sign Konsa In £51m Deal, Partey Joins Al-Shabab

Arsenal have completed the £51 million signing of England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the 28-year-old signing a four-year contract with an option for a further year.

The Premier League champions could pay Villa another £4 million in add-ons under the terms of the agreement as they continue to strengthen their squad for the new season.

Naija News reports that Ezri Konsa becomes Arsenal’s latest major signing after Mikel Arteta confirmed the club needed another defender following William Saliba’s long-term injury.

“It’s a privilege to be here, and I can’t wait to get started,” Konsa said after completing the move.

“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.”

The defender joined Villa from Brentford in July 2019 and made 286 appearances for the Midlands club, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said Konsa would bring quality and versatility to Arteta’s squad.

“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 at centre-back and right-back gives Arteta greater options as Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title. The Gunners also considered Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarrell Quansah before agreeing a deal with Aston Villa for Konsa.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on a one-year contract after leaving Spanish club Villarreal.

The 33-year-old Ghana international made 32 appearances for Villarreal during the 2025/26 season before the club decided against extending his contract.

Partey spent five years at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, making 167 appearances for the Gunners before joining Villarreal. His career also included a successful spell with Atlético Madrid.