Konsa to Arsenal: What Does It Mean for FPL Managers?

Arsenal are closing in on a major defensive signing, with the Gunners agreeing a deal worth around £51 million plus add-ons for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The England international is expected to undergo his medical before completing the move.

The transfer could have an interesting impact on Fantasy Premier League managers, particularly those considering Arsenal defenders for Gameweek 1.

Konsa unlikely to be an immediate FPL starter?

Despite his quality and Premier League experience, there is a strong argument for not expecting Konsa to start Arsenal’s opening fixture.

The defender has only just returned from his post-World Cup break, while the move itself still needs to be completed. That makes his involvement from the beginning of the season difficult to predict.

For FPL managers, this creates an important dilemma.

Cristhian Mosquera could potentially retain his place initially, particularly because Arsenal already have a limited number of senior right-sided defensive options.

However, once Konsa is fully integrated into Mikel Arteta’s system, the situation could change quickly.

Could Konsa replace Mosquera?

That is the biggest question.

Konsa is predominantly a right-sided centre-back but can also operate at right-back. His versatility is one of the reasons Arsenal have been so keen to bring him to the Emirates, especially with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber dealing with injuries.

That means Arteta could eventually choose Konsa ahead of Mosquera at centre-back, although nothing guarantees that will happen immediately.

The most sensible FPL approach may therefore be to wait and see.

What should FPL managers do?

For now, there is little reason to panic if you already own an Arsenal defender.

Konsa could become a very attractive FPL option if he establishes himself as a regular starter in Arsenal’s defence, particularly given the club’s defensive strength. Fantasy Football Scout has already highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal’s defensive selections ahead of Gameweek 1.

But with the first fixture approaching, Konsa’s minutes are the key issue.

He could start immediately.

He could also be eased into the team, with Mosquera starting the first few matches before Konsa eventually takes over.

FPL verdict: 🟡 WAIT AND SEE

Don’t rush to buy Konsa solely because of the transfer. Watch Arsenal’s first team selection and monitor how Arteta uses him.

If Konsa becomes a guaranteed starter, he could quickly become one of the most interesting Arsenal defensive options in FPL.

**For now: 0 minutes since the World Cup. Wait and see.**