'Absolute steal': Rio Ferdinand reacts to latest Arsenal transfer decision
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has sent his reaction following Arsenal’s verbal agreement to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
The Gunners have already made two new outfield signings in Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, and are expected to land Konsa very soon.
A deal worth £51 million plus add-ons has been finalised with the Villans, and the 28-year-old is expected to undergo his Arsenal medical today.
Responding to the deal, Ferdinand said that Konsa has been one of the biggest and most consistent players, and he should be a magnificent signing for the Gunners.
The 47-year-old added that Konsa is an ‘absolute steal’ in today’s market for £51m, as he will provide vital cover at centre-back and right-back for the next four to five years.
He said on his YouTube channel: “One of their biggest and most consistent players, an England international, Ezri Konsa is joining Arsenal. I think it’s a magnificent signing.
“He’s a solid, really, really good Premier League defender. David Ornstein, a friend of the channel, is saying £51m plus add-ons.
“I think that’s an absolute steal in today’s market. He’s 28 years old, so a minimum of four or five years of really solid, dependable service. He provides vital cover in two areas, centre-back and right-back.”
Konsa is an ideal signing for Arsenal
The Gunners find themselves short in the right centre-back position, with William Saliba ruled out for an extended period with a back injury sustained at the World Cup with France.
Cristhian Mosquera is the immediate back-up as a right-footed centre-back, but the Gunners obviously require more depth, with 16-year-old Marli Salmon being the next in line.
In Konsa, Arsenal have brought in one of the most reliable central defenders over the past few years. He has vastly improved under the guidance of manager Unai Emery at Villa.
Konsa had a brilliant passing accuracy of 95 percent in the Premier League last term. He won 73 percent of ground duels, the highest in the league by a fair distance (Virgil van Dijk second at 70 percent).
The Englishman may not be the most dominant in the air but makes up for it with his positioning and recovery pace. His experience should prove handy for the Gunners in more than one position.
The 28-year-old can also comfortably operate as a right-back, which is another boost, given Ben White has been injury-prone, while Jurrien Timber is presently out with a nagging groin problem.
Arsenal will pay a premium fee of £51m up front to secure Konsa’s services, but the transfer decision should prove worthwhile as they seek to defend their Premier League title this campaign.
Stats from Sofascore.com
The post 'Absolute steal': Rio Ferdinand reacts to latest Arsenal transfer decision first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
