India, Aug. 19 -- Arsenal FC have reached an agreement to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa for a reported fee of £51 million, plus add-ons. The England international has already bid adieu to his Villa team-mates and is expected to complete his medical at the Emirates soon. The 28-year-old has emerged as Mikel Arteta's preferred defensive solution after injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber created a need ahead of the new campaign.

Why did Arsenal sign Ezri Konsa?

Arsenal's decision is driven by both necessity and profile. William Saliba's injury and Jurrien Timber's fitness concerns have reduced Mikel Arteta's established options at the back. In this situation, Ezri Konsa offers the added advantage of operating at centr...