On August 20 (Beijing Time), on "The Rio Ferdinand Show", Ferdinand stated that news of Ezri Konsa joining Arsenal has made him very confident that The Gunners will successfully retain their Premier League title this season.

According to reports, on Wednesday local time, Arsenal reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Konsa for £51 million. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal had offered £30 million for the England international, but Villa rejected it. Villa initially valued Konsa at £60 million, but with the 2024/25 season approaching, both parties eventually reached a compromise.

Konsa can fill the gap left by injured centre-back William Saliba and can also play as a right-back. The 28-year-old defender will be Arsenal's fifth summer signing, after The Gunners previously recruited Riccardo Calafiori, Aaron Ramsdale, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz. Manchester United legend Ferdinand believes this is an excellent signing, and he feels that neither Manchester City, Liverpool, nor Manchester United can challenge Mikel Arteta's team.

"I think this (Konsa) is a fantastic signing. He's at the peak of his career and has a very clear understanding of himself," he said on "The Rio Ferdinand Show". "He's not arrogant, a humble Premier League defender and genuinely very good."

"Arsenal is completing the Konsa transfer with Aston Villa for £51 million plus add-ons. In today's transfer market, this is clearly a very good deal. At 28 years old, he can maintain stable performances for at least four or five more years and can provide valuable depth in two key positions: centre-back and right-back."

"Although Ben White has recovered from injury, he has a history of injuries as a right-back. Jurriën Timber is also plagued by injuries, and William Saliba is injured."

"Konsa will be an excellent replacement. He can play immediately and integrate seamlessly into the team. Having a versatile and reliable player at the top level who can play both right-back and centre-back is clearly a valuable signing."

He added: "After this signing, I'm even more confident that Arsenal can retain the Premier League title, because this is a very smart and high-quality acquisition."

Before the summer transfer window closes, Arsenal are still pursuing a world-class striker. They previously attempted to sign Vinícius Júnior without success, as he has extended his contract with Real Madrid. Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid remains a target for them.

Arteta's team will play their first match in their title defense on Friday night local time (Saturday 3:00 AM Beijing Time), against promoted side Coventry City.

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