Ian Wright believes Arsenal have landed another major success in the transfer market after Ezri Konsa impressed during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea.The £55m summer signing from Aston Villa was brought in to strengthen an already deep defensive unit, and his importance has increased quickly because of William Saliba’s injury.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustAgainst Chelsea, Konsa helped Arsenal recover from conceding after just 77 seconds and contributed to a defensive performance that limited the visitors’ best attacking moments.Ian Wright praises Arsenal defender Ezri KonsaEzri Konsa of Arsenal (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Speaking on Sky Sports, Wright highlighted both Konsa’s quality and his versatility, arguing that Arsenal needed someone capable of stepping in without causing a major drop in level.‘Mikel Arteta has always said he doesn’t want a big drop-off [from his starting line-up and bench],’ Wright said on Sky Sports, as reported by Metro.‘Now you would struggle not to have a drop-off when you consider what William Saliba has done for Arsenal but I think Ezri Konsa is a fantastic signing.‘Look at his capabilities and experience and the fact he’s versatile as well. We needed someone like him because of Saliba’s injury.‘It was a fantastic signing if you look at his age and experience.’Iced out. pic.twitter.com/6X4Nw2yQbo— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 7, 2026Konsa’s performance came in a match that reinforced Arsenal’s strong start to the season.Opta Analyst noted that the Gunners have now won all three of their opening Premier League matches while conceding just one goal, something they have achieved only twice before in top-flight history.More Stories / Latest NewsIan Wright hails ‘fantastic’ Arsenal player who impressed against ChelseaSep 8 2026, 9:58Terry questions Chelsea reaction over incident that could have affected ArsenalSep 8 2026, 9:28Sources: Liverpool and Man United are tracking Newcastle’s £65-70m rated ‘mature’ starSep 8 2026, 7:54Konsa gives Arteta the depth he wants in his squadMorgan Rogers of Chelsea is tackled by Ezri Konsa of Arsenal (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Wright’s assessment is difficult to argue with.Konsa was not signed to replace Saliba permanently. He was signed so Arsenal could survive periods without one of their best defenders and still maintain a title-winning standard.That is already proving valuable.At 28, Konsa brings Premier League experience, international pedigree and the ability to play at centre-back or right-back. He also looks comfortable in Arsenal’s high defensive line, which is crucial in Arteta’s system.The bigger point is squad resilience.Last season, Arsenal’s defensive consistency was one of the main reasons they won the title. This year, injuries could easily have disrupted that strength.Instead, Konsa has arrived and immediately reduced the risk.Just in: 24-year-old attacker wanted by Arsenal opens contract talks with his clubThe post Ian Wright hails ‘fantastic’ Arsenal player who impressed against Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.