Aston Villa to 'block' Arsenal from signing another of their players

Unai Emery is planning to block Ezri Konsa from joining Arsenal this summer amid serious concerns about losing his star players.

The 28-year-old has emegred as a leading target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta aims to add more strength in depth to his back line, and to replace William Saliba.

Saliba suffered a back injury while at the World Cup with France, and is expected to be ruled out for up to five months, forcing Arsenal to consider their options in the market.

However, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery has no plans to lose any more of his best players amid new concerns at Villa Park.

Should Arsenal make a move for Konsa, he would be following Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, leaving a number of gaping holes in the squad.

Following some major departues, with Morgan Rogers now expected to join Chelsea as well, Aston Villa will aim to prevent Konsa and other key players from moving on.

Could Arsenal make a move to sign Ezri Konsa?

Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Aston Villa will demand a fee in excess of £50million for Konsa, but that is unlikely to deter Arsenal in their pursuit.

The Gunners are believed to have been impressed by his performances both for Aston Villa and for England, with scouts keeping a close eye on him in the last 12 months.

However, it will now be very difficult for them to get a deal over the line, with Emery determined not to lose any more of his key players this summer.

"It doesn't come as a surprise that Ezri Konsa is attracting interest," Brown told Football Insider.

"But I cannot see any way Aston Villa let him go when you look at the context of their transfer window and all of the other players who are on their way out.

"Aston Villa have already lost Youri Tielemans, they've lost Lucas Digne, they're losing Morgan Rogers, those are three very important players.

"If Ezri Konsa was to leave as well, that's going to be a serious concern for Aston Villa, so I expect Unai Emery will be clear that the club should not let him leave this summer.

"Emery wants to keep his best players at the club, he won't be happy at the ones that have already been sold, and it's only going to get worse if Konsa leaves as well.

"Interest from Arsenal is bound to be there, they want a player in his position and they've been impressed by him, but as far as Emery is concerned, he is not for sale."

What is Aston Villa's updated stance on selling Konsa?

Despite a previous asking price of around £50million being touted, it will now likely take much more to prise Konsa away as Aston Villa have already lost key players.

Emery is determined not to have the heart of his team ripped out after qualifying for the Champions League, despite suffering some major departures already.

Football Insider revealed on 6 July that Aston Villa are doing everything in their power to keep Konsa at the club, despite Arsenal lining up a move to test their resolve.

After an impressive World Cup campaign with England which ended with a bronze medal, Konsa will take a short break before returning to Villa Park for pre-season training.

Emery hopes he will stick around beyond that and well into the new season, and plans are being put in place to ensure he is not allowed to move on.