Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has expressed his delight at the arrival of Ezri Konsa, following the defender's £55m move from Aston Villa. The pair have been close friends since spending around six weeks together at the World Cup this summer, and Saka is eager to play alongside the 28-year-old at club level.
Speaking after scoring against Coventry City in Arsenal's 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, Saka said: "I don't know how to describe it, man [their bond]. Ever since I met him at England, we've just got on."
"Yeah, I'm so happy to have him here. Not only because he's a brother to me, but I know the level of player he is and I'm excited for him to show it at this level."
Friendship Beyond the Pitch
Saka and Konsa's friendship extends beyond their time in the England camp. Saka reportedly FaceTimed Konsa while the defender was on Aston Villa's open-top bus parade following their Europa League triumph over Freiburg, highlighting the strength of their bond.
Konsa was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night to watch Arsenal thrash Frank Lampard's Coventry City 3-0. Before that, he had been put through his paces at London Colney by Arsenal's first-team physical performance coach Toby Griffiths, working both in the gym and on the grass.
Arteta and Berta Welcome Konsa
The versatile defender is in line to make his Arsenal debut at Villa Park against Aston Villa on August 31, though he will need to step up his fitness as he is yet to kick a ball this season. Mikel Arteta is delighted with his arrival, stating: "We needed one more player. We wanted somebody who doesn't have the qualities we already have. Somebody ideally with experience because as a centre-back in this league, you cannot play jokes with how important that position is."
Andrea Berta, who executed the deal, is equally pleased, adding: "We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa. Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies."
Immediate Impact Expected
Berta continued: "We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, and strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play. Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact within our club. We welcome Ezri and his family to Arsenal."
Konsa's arrival adds defensive depth to Arsenal's squad, with the player expected to compete for a starting spot in central defence or at right-back. His debut could come as soon as the end of August, when Arsenal travel to Villa Park to face his former club.
