Former clubs profit big as "Arsenal-Spurs" secure "high-value players" to strengthen squads before the Premier League season starts.
On 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7, David Ornstein, a trusted journalist from The Athletic, a leading UK media outlet, reported that England international defender Ezri Konsa, part of the 2026 World Cup squad, officially transferred from Aston Villa to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Ornstein detailed that Arsenal acquired Ezri Konsa for £51 million plus an additional £4 million in bonuses (total £55 million), signing him to a 4-year contract with an option for one more year after passing his medical examination.
Ezri Konsa will bolster Arsenal's defense following injuries to key right-back Jurriën Timber and central defender William Saliba, both sidelined indefinitely; Konsa is capable of playing in both positions.
Meanwhile, London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian winger Savinho from Manchester City for a total potential fee of up to £85 million, comprising an initial £75 million plus £10 million in performance-related bonuses.
Savinho will strengthen Spurs’ attack, which is currently affected by long-term injuries to several players including Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, and Dejan Kulusevski.
These transfers have generated substantial profits for the former clubs Aston Villa and Manchester City, with a comparison of previous and current transfer fees as follows:
2019: Brentford to Aston Villa for £12 million
2026: Aston Villa to Arsenal for £55 million
- Villa profits £43 million
2024: Girona to Manchester City for £30 million
2026: Manchester City to Spurs for £85 million
- Manchester City profits £55 million