'He doesn't get back in' - John Terry makes bold William Saliba claim after Arsenal complete £55m Ezri Konsa transfer

Terry believes Saliba has permanently lost his place in the Arsenal team after Konsa’s £55m move from Aston Villa. Konsa, 28, signed a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium after ending his seven-year spell at Villa Park.

Part of the reason Arsenal signed Konsa was the injury Saliba aggravated at the World Cup which is set to keep him sidelined for an 'extended period'. Terry stated on the FC Bullard TikTok channel: "I would go Konsa for Arsenal. That’s a massive signing. I think even when Saliba is back fit, he doesn’t get back in the Arsenal team, I think Konsa is that good."

The Chelsea legend worked with Konsa during his time as Dean Smith’s Aston Villa assistant and insists his former player can even keep Saliba out of the Arsenal team. "I worked with him at Aston villa and he’s so aggressive but also happy to play on the halfway line because if it goes in behind he’s quick enough to get there and recover. He’s a really, really good player," Terry said.

Arteta has moved aggressively to ensure his squad remains competitive following their recent success. The signing of England centre-back Konsa represents a significant investment in the peak years of a proven Premier League performer.

Konsa said he was proud to join ‘one of the best teams in the world’ after his move from Aston Villa was finally confirmed. "It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started," said Konsa, who had discussed a move to Arsenal with some of his England World Cup teammates.

The new Arsenal man expressed his excitement on social media, posting: "Locked in & ready. A proud moment to join this incredible club and group of players. I’m here and hungry to help achieve everything @arsenal. It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world."

The move comes at a critical time for the Gunners, who are dealing with a mounting injury list in their defensive department. According to reports, Saliba is expected to be out of action for a significant timeframe, with his return not anticipated until winter 2026. This absence leaves a massive void in the heart of the defence that Konsa is expected to fill immediately.

Sporting director Andrea Berta added: "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.

Konsa missed Arsenal’s Premier League opener - a routine 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City - but could make his Gunners debut against his former club Aston Villa next Monday night.

Arteta’s side are bidding to retain their Premier League crown while going one better in the Champions League after losing in the final back in May. The victory over Coventry showcased the attacking prowess of the side, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard all getting on the scoresheet.