Arsenal have built the strongest defence in Europe under Mikel Arteta, and it’s even held firm this season despite William Saliba being out injured.

A big reason for that is summer signing Ezri Konsa, who has slotted in as if he’s been at the club for years. He scored his first goal for the Gunners in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Everton, and Arteta has made it clear how highly he already rates him.

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David Raya of Arsenal celebrates after Ezri Konsa of Arsenal (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Everton at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2026 in London, England.

Mikel Arteta hails Ezri Konsa’s presence at Arsenal

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta was asked what impresses him about Ezri Konsa behind the scenes. “I would say his presence,” he said. “I think he’s come to the club and he has this real belief and conviction about what he was going to offer to the team immediately.

“The way he has started to handle a new club, new teammates, new ways of playing, new schedule, everything. It’s so organic, so natural for him, and he’s become one of the leaders of the team.”

His partnership with Gabriel has been just as smooth. “Unbelievable,” Arteta said. “That’s a bit of luck as well, because you never know till they start to play together how this is going to pan out. But not only here, you go upstairs and they’re having coffee together, they’re talking about stuff, and there is that chemistry, that personal bond that makes it so special for a pair of centre-backs.”

Arsenal have won seven of the nine games the pair have started together, keeping five clean sheets. Konsa has spoken highly of Gabriel too, saying how the Brazilian makes his life easy on the pitch.

What happens when William Saliba returns?

It’ll be really interesting to see what Arteta does when Saliba is fit again. He’s targeting a return in late November, and over the last few years, Saliba and Gabriel have established themselves as the best centre-back partnership in the world.

But Konsa is making a real case for keeping his place. Having three top-class options to choose from is a luxury for Arteta.

There might be another way to fit him in, though. Konsa has played at right-back for both Aston Villa and England, and with Ben White and Jurrien Timber not quite at their best yet, he could end up competing for a spot there instead.

For now, he and Gabriel have a big test on Sunday, with Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s front line waiting at Anfield.