Premier League champions Arsenal have signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £51 million ($69 million).
Konsa agreed a “long-term contract” with 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.
