# Ezri Konsa transfer saga > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ezri-konsa-transfer-rumours > Updated: 2026-08-24T14:10:53.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 9. In mid-August 2026, Arsenal reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign defender Ezri Konsa for a fee potentially rising to £51 million plus add-ons. The 28-year-old England international is expected to undergo medical examinations in London to bolster a defensive line currently facing injury concerns involving William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. By August 20, Arsenal completed the signing of Konsa for a fee reported to be approximately £51 million, with potential add-ons reaching up to £55 million. The defender has signed a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year and will wear the number 15 shirt. His versatility to play as both a centre-back and right-back remains a key factor in the move, following his 286 appearances for Villa and a successful 2026 World Cup campaign with England. On August 24, the signing was confirmed as complete. The move follows reports that William Saliba is expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury. Former Chelsea defender John Terry, who previously worked with Konsa at Aston Villa, described the move as a ‘massive signing’ for Mikel Arteta’s side, suggesting Konsa’s quality might even prevent Saliba from reclaiming his starting position upon his return to fitness. Following the departure, Aston Villa is undergoing a significant squad rebuild after their Europa League success. In addition to Konsa, the club has seen the exits of Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans. To strengthen their squad, Villa has secured the loan of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United, a deal that includes a conditional obligation to buy for approximately £18 million. Villa has also previously shown interest in Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori. ## Claims - Harvi Eliot was loaned to Aston Villa with a £35 million purchase clause triggered by ten appearances. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Aston Villa did not activate the purchase clause because Eliot played only nine games (277 minutes). (corroborated by 2 sources) - Unai Emery described Eliot's situation as “shameful for everyone”. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Harvi Eliot says he is ready for a second chance at Liverpool. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Arsenal are considering a £65 million offer for defender Ezri Konsa. (single source) - Ezri Konsa joined Aston Villa in 2019 for a £12 million transfer fee. (single source) - Ezri Konsa's contract with Aston Villa runs until June 2028. (single source) - William Saliba is injured and unavailable for an extended period. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Arsenal signs Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa Arsenal has signed defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51m-£55m, a move prompted by William Saliba's long-term back injury. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-signs-ezri-konsa-from-aston-villa-1 ### 2026-08-08: Aston Villa linked to Igor Paixao and Ezri Konsa transfer moves Aston Villa is linked to Marseille winger Igor Paixao for £30m, while Arsenal pursues defender Ezri Konsa amid a £60m valuation gap. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aston-villa-linked-to-igor-paixao-and-ezri-konsa-transfer-moves ### 2026-08-06: Arsenal eyes defender Ezri Konsa and forward Ferran Torres Arsenal are targeting Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, with Liverpool also interested, and have shifted to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres after missing out on Vinícius Júnior. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liverpool-and-arsenal-vie-for-transfer-targets-amid-summer-market ### 2026-08-05: Aston Villa chase Matteo Ruggeri as Arsenal revive €60m bid for Ezri Konsa Aston Villa near a £18 m deal for Matteo Ruggeri, while Arsenal return with a higher €60 m bid for defender Ezri Konsa as Villa rebuild its back line. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aston-villas-bid-for-atletico-left-back-matteo-ruggeri-stalls ### 2026-08-02: Arsenal target Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa England defender Ezri Konsa is open to joining Arsenal, who need cover for injured William Saliba; Aston Villa have set a £60 m price and his contract runs to 2028. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-target-aston-villa-defender-ezri-konsa ### 2026-07-30: Arsenal pursue Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa for £60m Arsenal target Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa for about £60 million to cover William Saliba’s injury, amid competition from Liverpool and other options. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-eyes-65m-move-for-aston-villa-defender-ezri-konsa-after-saliba-injury ### 2026-07-25: Arsenal ready for World Cup stars' comeback while eyeing defender Ezri Konsa Arsenal plan a phased return for World Cup players, checking the fitness of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, while also pursuing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-ready-for-world-cup-stars-comeback-while-eyeing-defender-ezri-konsa ### 2026-07-22: Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa linked with Arsenal and Liverpool Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa is linked with Arsenal (fee £30‑35 m vs Villa’s £60 m demand) and Liverpool (potential £80 m offer) as both clubs seek defensive reinforcements. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aston-villa-defender-ezri-konsa-linked-with-arsenal-and-liverpool ### 2026-07-03: Arsenal targets Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa in €60m bid Arsenal are reportedly targeting 28‑year‑old Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, valued at about €60 million, to bolster their back line before the next season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-targets-aston-villa-defender-ezri-konsa-in-60m-bid --- Cite as: Ezri Konsa transfer saga. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ezri-konsa-transfer-rumours