According to a report by Metro on Monday November 2, 2026, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted that his former club should have signed Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa before the England international completed his £55 million move from Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium.

Konsa has made an impressive start to life at Arsenal since arriving during the summer transfer window, quickly establishing himself as an important member of Mikel Arteta's squad.

The 29-year-old was brought into the starting XI following William Saliba's injury absence and has played an important role in the Gunners' impressive campaign so far.

Arsenal have won 13 of their opening 16 matches across all competitions, with Konsa producing another strong performance during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

His performances have attracted considerable praise from Ferdinand, who believes Manchester United missed an opportunity by failing to secure his signature before Arsenal completed the deal.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former United defender revealed that he had even encouraged his 18-year-old son, Tate, who plays as a centre-back in Brighton's academy, to pay close attention to Konsa's performance against Liverpool.

"I said to my son yesterday, 'watch Ezri Konsa', because everything he does is efficient. That's a great problem for Mikel Arteta to have," Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand also discussed how Arteta could accommodate Konsa when Saliba returns from injury, insisting that the French defender is too good to remain out of the starting team.

He believes Konsa could move to right-back, a position he is familiar with, potentially creating competition with Jurrien Timber for the role.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn't be surprised because Konsa is top," he added.

The former Manchester United captain further described Konsa as a top-class defender and reiterated his belief that the Red Devils should have made an attempt to sign him.

"He's a top, top player and another one I thought Manchester United should have got because he's a top player," Ferdinand stated.

He also praised the defender for settling into Arteta's team without difficulty and delivering impressive performances since his arrival. "He's giving Mikel Arteta some big decisions to make and big headaches because he's slipped in seamlessly and put in some big performances.

"What a signing he's been for Arsenal."

Konsa's impressive performances have given Arsenal another dependable defensive option, while his versatility could prove valuable as the club continues to compete on multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, Arteta faces an interesting selection decision once Saliba returns, with the Arsenal manager potentially having to find room for both central defenders in his starting lineup.