England professional football club Arsenal have strengthened their defense in pursuit of another Premier League (EPL) title by signing England international defender Ezri Konsa, 28.

Arsenal announced the signing of Konsa on the 21st (local time).

The announcement was made just hours before their EPL opening match against Coventry City.

The Athletic reported that the transfer fee Arsenal are paying to Aston Villa for Konsa is 55 million pounds (approx. 104.1 billion won) with a four-year contract.

Konsa played for the England national team at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, alternating between center-back and right-back.

Arsenal, who achieved their first EPL title in 22 years last year backed by a strong defense of 27 goals conceded in 38 matches, recruited Konsa due to concerns over the long-term injury of regular center-back William Saliba.

It is also believed that they considered how Konsa, a versatile player, can ease the burden on right-back Jurrien Timber, who is also currently injured.

Konsa has played for Aston Villa since 2019, recording 8 goals in 231 league appearances and 12 goals in 286 matches across all competitions.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)