Arsenal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign England defender Ezri Konsa in a deal worth more than £50m.
The 28-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before completing his transfer to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal moving decisively to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Talks between the two Premier League clubs had resumed last week after earlier negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Arsenal subsequently explored a possible move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, but Konsa remained a leading target and discussions with Villa were revived.
A breakthrough has now been reached, clearing the way for Konsa to leave Villa Park seven years after joining the club in July 2019.
Konsa has made 286 appearances for Aston Villa and was a key figure during another successful campaign under Unai Emery last season. He played 48 matches across all competitions, scoring twice and providing one assist as Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League.
Their league position secured a place in the 2026-27 Champions League, adding to a period of significant progress for the Birmingham club.
Konsa has not appeared during Villa’s pre-season programme, including their 2-1 Uefa Super Cup defeat by Paris St-Germain. He was given an extended four-week break after representing England at the World Cup.
The defender played in every match of England’s tournament campaign as the national team finished third.
Villa had also been without Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins during parts of their preparations following the World Cup, with the trio scheduled to return to club duty after the team’s final warm-up fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Konsa is now set to continue his career in north London, with only the final medical and formalities remaining before Arsenal can confirm the transfer.