Aston Villa insider blames 'release clauses' for mass exodus as yet another star finalises exit

Aston Villa have been abandoned by their brightest talents this summer as Ezri Konsa joins the mass exodus by finalising a move to Arsenal.

That is according to senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Villans have lost Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne this summer, with more potentially set to join them.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last Friday that Konsa had agreed terms with Arsenal and the deal was "99% done".

Now, it has been widely reported on Wednesday that Arsenal have a total agreement in place for the defender.

The Gunners have been chasing the England international for weeks, but a large gap in valuations was holding up any potential deal.

That impasse appears to have been breached, with Villa reportedly having reduced their asking price in light of the players' request to join the Premier League champions.

Aston Villa sell yet another key star

When Villa lifted the Europa League in May, securing their place in the Champions League for next season, they could not have imagined the summer that would follow.

There was always an inkling that Rogers would leave, although a switch to Arsenal looked more likely until Chelsea's £117million move.

That was acceptable for most fans - Villa had got a great fee - but Tielemans' £35m move to Manchester United was a blow.

The Belgian had a release clause in his contract, and it was a similar scenario that saw Digne go to PSG.

Many kept hope that Konsa would be one to stay, but the news that Villa have lowered their asking price tag will be hugely disappointing.

"He's another one. An England international. How many full international teams do you need to get rid of? They've just got rid of three," King told Football Insider.

"How did Digne feel? Digne felt, you know, he's gone from a team that's completely split up after a successful year to the European champions and French champions. Isn't a bad move for him, is it?

"I'm beginning to wonder why these players join the clubs they join. Is it because of the release clause? You know, where's the loyalty here from the player and the agent towards the club?"

How do Villa replace Ezri Konsa?

There are no two ways about it. Losing Konsa will be an incredibly damaging blow for Villa, and he will be extremely difficult to replace.

The 28-year-old made 48 appearances across all competitions last season and was a vital cog to Unai Emery's build-up and defensive structure.

A signing will have to be made before the window is closed, but it remains to be seen just who the Villans approach.

One potential option could well be Sepp van den Berg, who has impressed for Brentford and has been mentioned in the target lists for the bigger clubs this summer.

The 24-year-old will be costly, but Villa will have to aim high if they are to replace Konsa adequately.