{"id":1640,"date":"2026-08-19T20:18:57","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T20:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1640"},"modified":"2026-08-19T20:18:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T20:18:57","slug":"who-got-the-better-deal-comparing-chelsea-and-arsenal-signings-maxence-lacroix-and-ezri-konsa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1640","title":{"rendered":"Who got the better deal? Comparing Chelsea and Arsenal signings Maxence Lacroix and Ezri Konsa"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal are set to announce the \u00a351m signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, just \u00a31m less than the fee Chelsea paid to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. So, who got the better deal?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been a few cases of Premier League centre-backs moving to other Premier League teams this summer. Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke have joined Tottenham from Bournemouth and Brighton.<\/p>\n

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Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026\/27?<\/h3>\n

Let’s hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Pascal Struijk left Leeds after eight years to replace van Hecke at Brighton. Lacroix<\/a> has moved across the capital, going from South London to West London after his \u00a352m move from Palace to Stamford Bridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now, England star Konsa is about to complete a \u00a351m move to Arsenal from Aston Villa. A move that sees the defender return to London having come through the academy at Brentford. But who is better?<\/p>\n

Lacroix and Konsa\u2019s 2025-26 Premier League stats compared<\/h2>\n

There is no doubt that Lacroix and Konsa are among the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Before their moves to Chelsea and Arsenal, they would be considered among the best outside of the big clubs.<\/p>\n

Indeed, both impressed last season. But who enjoyed the better season? Before comparing the stats, it is perhaps worth considering Aston Villa finished higher than Crystal Palace, enjoying more possession.<\/p>\n

Konsa v Lacroix \u2013 Premier League stats 2025-26<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Konsa v Lacroix 25-26<\/strong><\/td>\nKonsa (Aston Villa)<\/strong><\/td>\nLacroix (Palace)<\/strong><\/td>\nWinner<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Appearances (Starts)<\/td>\n34 (34)<\/td>\n35 (35)<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minutes Played<\/td>\n3,035<\/td>\n3,087<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clean Sheets<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n11<\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aerial duels won<\/td>\n32 (57.1%)<\/td>\n119 (61.3%)<\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ground duels won<\/td>\n100 (67.1%)<\/td>\n204 (61.3%)<\/td>\nKonsa \u2013 more efficient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tackles<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n60<\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clearances<\/td>\n134<\/td>\n252 (3rd overall in PL)<\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interceptions<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n45<\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blocked Shots<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n18<\/td>\nKonsa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall FotMob rating<\/td>\n6.75<\/a><\/td>\n7.04<\/a><\/td>\nLacroix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Palace were often in a lot more battles and closer matches than Villa, though the Midlands club still had their fair share of a few tricky games. Clearly, the stats prove that Lacroix \u2013 as a defender \u2013 was better.<\/p>\n

Lacroix is the better signing than Konsa; Chelsea bargain<\/h2>\n

With both players costing the same amount of money, it is quite clear that Chelsea have got the better signing \u2013 not least because Lacroix is two years younger than Konsa. In fact, Chelsea have got a bargain.<\/p>\n

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RATE 1-10: Lacroix confirmed, how good is Chelsea\u2019s \u00a352m deal? \ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Konsa is a brilliant signing for Arsenal; there\u2019s absolutely no doubt. A commanding centre-back who inspires a side with his leadership; his physical frame. But Konsa\u2019s move highlights Chelsea\u2019s bargain.<\/p>\n

The Blues have got themselves a top signing in Lacroix, and the stats prove he is a bargain compared to Konsa. It will be interesting to see who has the better season, with both players joining bigger clubs.<\/p>\n

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