Ezri Konsa's transfer from Aston Villa to Arsenal could end up being looked back as one of Arteta's most significant signings of his legendary tenure. Mikel Arteta has spoken about fine margins repeatedly over the past few years, and there could hardly have been a better example than Arsenal's heartbreaking UEFA Champions League final defeat to PSG this year. Anyone who watched that game would know how evenly matched the two sides were.
There was almost nothing separating them, with Arsenal even enjoying a period where they looked capable of winning the game. However, one moment changed everything when Christian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area, allowing PSG to score from the spot. The game was stretched into extra time before PSG eventually prevailed on penalties. It was the kind of match where either team could have won, making the defeat even more painful for Arsenal.
This is precisely where the signing of Ezri Konsa could prove crucial for Arteta and Arsenal.
Arsenal's Right-Back Problem
The obvious question is: why was Mosquera playing such an important Champions League game in the first place?
There is no question that Mosquera is an exceptionally talented young defender. He has shown plenty of promise and could develop into one of the best defenders in the world. However, there is a significant difference between potential and experience, particularly when it comes to the pressure of a Champions League final.
That lack of experience was exposed in the biggest possible moment.
The reason Mosquera was required to start is because Arsenal have a rare weakness in an otherwise outstanding squad: right-back depth.
Both of their leading options in the position, Ben White and Jurrien Timber, have had recurring fitness problems. Timber, in particular, is Arsenal's first-choice right-back when fully fit and is arguably one of the best players in the world in that position on his day. White is also an excellent right-back who offers enormous experience and defensive quality.
The problem is that Arsenal cannot always rely on either player being available for every important game.
That was demonstrated perfectly against PSG. When Timber eventually came off the bench, Arsenal looked significantly better. His quality and experience immediately provided greater security on that side of the pitch.
Why Ezri Konsa Could Be the Difference
This is where Konsa becomes such an interesting signing.
Konsa is now at the peak of his career and brings considerably more experience at the highest level than Mosquera. He has played in major Premier League matches, European competitions and high-pressure situations, giving Arteta another reliable option when the stakes are at their highest.
And this is where those famous fine margins come into play.
Imagine Arsenal finding themselves in exactly the same situation next season. Timber and White are both unavailable for a huge Champions League knockout game, but Konsa is fit.
Instead of having to rely on a relatively inexperienced alternative, Arteta could turn to a defender who has already experienced pressure-filled matches throughout his career.
Of course, nobody can say that Konsa definitely would have prevented the penalty against PSG. Football does not work that way. But it is entirely plausible that his experience could have changed that moment. Perhaps he makes a different decision, perhaps he reads the situation earlier, or perhaps the foul simply never happens.
And if that one moment changes, Arsenal could have won the Champions League.
That is the essence of Arteta's fine-margin philosophy.
Konsa Can Also Protect Timber and White
There is another important benefit to the signing.
Konsa does not necessarily have to wait for both White and Timber to get injured before becoming important. Arsenal can use him strategically even when both are fit.
Given the injury histories of White and Timber, constantly asking them to play every match during the most demanding part of the campaign is risky. The fixture schedule becomes particularly brutal during the latter stages of the Premier League and Champions League, when Arsenal could be playing twice a week for months.
Konsa gives Arteta the luxury of rotating his defenders without dramatically reducing the quality of the team.
For example, if Timber is fit but has played several consecutive matches, Arteta could choose Konsa for a Premier League fixture before a massive Champions League knockout game. That allows Timber to rest, reducing the risk of another injury and increasing the chances of having him available when Arsenal need their strongest possible XI.
The same applies to White.
Konsa therefore provides both emergency cover and planned rotation, something Arsenal desperately need if they are serious about competing on every front.
Could Konsa Help Arsenal Finally Win the Champions League?
Arsenal's squad is already packed with world-class talent, meaning they do not necessarily need another superstar signing to transform the team.
They need players who can make the difference when circumstances go against them.
That is what makes Konsa such a potentially important addition.
If another Champions League knockout tie arrives and Arsenal lose both White and Timber to injury, Konsa could step in with the experience and quality required to handle the occasion. Even if both are fit, he can help manage their workload and ensure they remain fresh for the biggest matches.
Ultimately, Ezri Konsa could be one of those fine-margin signings that Arteta has talked about for years.
One defender may not appear capable of deciding whether Arsenal wins the Champions League. But in a competition often decided by a single mistake, a single tackle, a single injury or a single moment of composure, having an experienced defender ready at exactly the right time could make all the difference.
And that fine margin could finally help Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.
