Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said the club should have moved for Ezri Konsa before the centre-back completed a £55m transfer from Aston Villa to Arsenal in the summer window.

Ferdinand highlights Arsenal signing

Konsa, who arrived at Arsenal from fellow Premier League club Aston Villa, has been praised by Ferdinand as a high-quality addition for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

• Ferdinand described Konsa as a “top player”.
• He said Manchester United should have attempted to sign the defender.
• The former England international pointed to Konsa’s efficient style of play as a key strength.

Arteta faces increased defensive competition

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said he had urged his son to pay close attention to Konsa’s performances because of the defender’s effectiveness on the pitch.

“I told my son yesterday, ‘Watch Ezri Konsa,’ because he is efficient in everything he does,” Ferdinand said. “That gives Mikel Arteta a very good problem to deal with.”

He added that Konsa’s ability made him a player United should have secured before Arsenal completed the £55m deal.