Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has said that Arsenal’s signing of Ezri Konsa signifies a strong possibility of the Gunners reclaiming the Premier League title this season.
Mikel Arteta has been actively seeking a defender due to injuries sustained by William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, and Konsa is an ideal candidate, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back.
Aston Villa was demanding £60 million for Konsa earlier; however, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal have successfully negotiated a deal valued at £51 million with additional add-ons.
Konsa is scheduled to undergo a medical examination on Thursday and has already bid farewell to his teammates at Villa Park.
Ferdinand expressed his admiration for the Premier League champions for securing Konsa this summer, describing the defender as a commendable addition.
He further opined that the £51 million transfer fee represents a bargain in the current market, highlighting that Konsa can contribute another four to five years of quality football to the team.
In his reaction to the transfer news on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated, “This is a remarkable signing. A player in his prime who possesses a clear understanding of his identity and capabilities. He is straightforward, a solid and exceptionally skilled Premier League defender.
“Arsenal is progressing in negotiations with Konsa from Aston Villa for £51 million plus add-ons. I consider it an absolute bargain in today’s market. At 28 years old, he can offer a minimum of four or five years of reliable and solid service, providing essential cover in two positions: centre-back and right-back.”
Ferdinand also noted that Konsa can seamlessly integrate into the team during the absence of Saliba and Timber, owing to his Premier League experience. He asserted that this signing further emphasises the Gunners’ potential to reclaim the Premier League title.
He added, “He’s going to be great cover. Someone who can come in there and just play straight away, no questions asked.
“If you go and get him, that just reinforces why I think Arsenal are going to go and win the league again, because it’s a sensible and very good signing.”
Konsa will be the Gunners’ fourth new signing of the summer after the arrivals of Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Bruno Guimaraes. Piero Hincapie, who was on loan from Leverkusen last season, has also joined them permanently.