Aston Villa expert: Unai Emery has made up his mind over Ezri Konsa transfer to Arsenal

Aston Villa are planning to rebuff any offers for Ezri Konsa as he remains a key part of their plans despite interest from Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of Unai Emery's starting XI, and has also enjoyed an impressive World Cup and he helped England reach the quarter finals.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be a big fan of the defender, who can play both at centre-back and right-back, and believed he would be a good fit for his title-winning side.

However, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery has no plans to part with Konsa and will not entertain offers for him in the summer window, and the same goes for another top Arsenal target Morgan Rogers.

This comes amid suggestions that Aston Villa will have to sell players before they invest in the squad, but Konsa's importance means he is not for sale.

Emery is hopeful of strengthening around his best players, including Konsa, and is calling on the club to rebuff any advances from Arsenal or his other suitors.

Could Aston Villa be convinced to sell Ezri Konsa?

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Aston Villa could be forced to sell a star player, and Konsa is one name they have considered.

However, Emery views the centre-back as a key part of his plans for the upcoming season, with Villa set to compete in the Champions League after winning the Europa League.

The boss is not interested in losing his best players, regardless of which clubs may be looking at them, and there are now plans being made to keep Konsa at Villa Park.

"I've said it before, but Unai Emery does not want to lose any of his key players this summer," Brown told Football Insider.

"Aston Villa had a very successful season, they won the Europa League, and now they're back in the Champions League and making preparations for that.

"They're going to want to keep their best players around, not lose them, and that goes especially for players like Konsa who have been so important to their success.

"It doesn't matter who's interested, whether it's Arsenal or anybody else, Unai Emery doesn't want to see his best players leave.

"I can see why Mikel Arteta likes him, he's a solid defender who can play as a right-back as well as a centre-back, but that also makes him a very important part of Villa's team.

"So it would take a lot for Arsenal to convince Aston Villa to sell, and I would be very surprised if it was something they were open to."

Aston Villa to deal Arsenal another transfer blow

Konsa is not the only Aston Villa star being targeted by Arsenal this summer as the Gunners step up plans to bolster Arteta's squad for the new season.

The Premier League winners are also keen to sign Morgan Rogers, and have identified the England international as one of their top targets.

However, Brown told Football Insider on 30 June that Emery is determined to keep hold of Rogers and will do everything in his power to keep him at the club.

Despite suggestions that Villa could be forced to sell in a bid to raise funds, the board are fearful of backlash from Emery and the fanbase if they allow him to leave.

Reports have claimed Villa will demand as much as £130million to sell the England international this summer, and that fee could grow if he shines at the World Cup.