Konsa Sets Sights on Glory as Arsenal Prepares to Clash with Bayern

Ezri Konsa is relishing his time at Arsenal and has set his sights high, aiming to claim every trophy this season, beginning with a crucial showdown against Bayern Munich. Last Sunday, Konsa faced a tense moment when Nottingham Forest's Liam Delap attempted to break through Arsenal's defense. With just minutes left on the clock and the Gunners leading 1-0, Konsa made a perfectly timed tackle to thwart Forest’s last gasp effort, securing yet another win for Arsenal—this one marking their tenth victory in eleven matches this season. For Konsa, who grew up an Arsenal fan, moments like these hold special significance. "I get asked this a lot," he shares with a grin. "Yes, I supported Arsenal as a kid. I had a ton of their kits. To play for such a storied club, especially alongside friends, is a dream come true." Konsa has a close bond with Eberechi Eze, another childhood Arsenal supporter, and their camaraderie has been evident since Konsa’s £51 million switch from Aston Villa. They share laughter and a unique connection, but he also credits other Arsenal players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka for helping him adapt quickly to his new environment. With William Saliba sidelined, Konsa's quick integration into the team has been critical. After making his debut as a substitute against Villa, he has been a constant presence in both Premier League and Champions League matches. The win against Forest was particularly meaningful, breaking a two-season winless streak at that ground. "We hadn’t won here for two seasons, and the boss emphasized that," Konsa explains. "These are the matches you need to conquer if you want to win titles. Tough away games like this require three points." The challenge intensifies for Konsa and Arsenal with a midweek clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. "It's against my international teammate," he mentions, shifting his focus to Harry Kane, who has been in sensational form since joining Bayern from Tottenham. Konsa boasts a solid record against Kane, having faced him seven times—six with Villa against Spurs and once in a Champions League match where Villa triumphed 1-0. Despite Kane’s impressive scoring record, Konsa has managed to keep him at bay, allowing only two penalties in their encounters. "That Villa-Bayern match was special for both players and fans," Konsa recalls. "I don’t focus too much on personal stats, but I’m looking forward to this challenge." The stakes against Bayern feel different this time. When Villa faced them, they were the underdogs, but Arsenal enters this match as one of the tournament favorites, having narrowly missed out on victory in the previous season’s final. Konsa captured his first trophy just a week before that final, celebrating a Europa League victory with Villa. Now, he senses the same hunger within the Arsenal squad. "One hundred percent," he affirms. "We aim high—we want to win everything: the Champions League, the Premier League, any trophies available. My arrival at Arsenal was driven by the desire to win, and after tasting Europa League success last season, I’m eager for more this year."