Aston Villa's updated stance on Ezri Konsa after deal '99% done'

Aston Villa are set to stick to their lofty Ezri Konsa price tag after they rejected an offer from Arsenal.

Villa have no plans to let him leave for a cut-price fee as talks advance with the Premier League champions over a £60-65million deal.

Football Insider revealed on Friday that Konsa to Arsenal is "99% done" after the player made it clear he wants to join the club.

However, Villa are closing in on a big signing of their own, with Football Insider revealing earlier on Friday that the club have an "agreement in principle" with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Unai Emery sees the West Ham defender as a versatile operator who can play in a defensive three and a two-man centre-back partnership as well as in his more established right-back role.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery is concerned about losing key players and has been clear with the club that he does not want to sell Konsa.

Arsenal are pushing forward in their pursuit of the England international, and are attempting to negotiate his price tag amid a growing feeling he would be keen on the move.

What is Unai Emery's stance on selling Ezri Konsa?

Brown first told Football Insider last month that Emery is determined to keep Konsa and has made up his mind over the sale, with Aston Villa planning to reject offers.

Arsenal now look set to test that resolve, but the manager is not budging over his stance and has no plans to lose any more key players before the new season starts.

Regardless of Konsa's stance on the move, Aston Villa are sticking to their valuation, and it will take a signiciant increase on the reported offer for Arsenal to get their man.

"The situation with Konsa hasn't really changed as far as Villa are concerned," Brown told Football Insider.

"Unai Emery has been clear with the club, he does not want to lose another star player after Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and probably Emi Martinez as well.

"It's difficult for any manager if you lose the core of your team like that, so he is extremely reluctant to see Konsa leave on top of all of that.

"Arsenal obviously want him, he's the type of player they've been after for a while and their injuries mean they want to do it sooner rather than later, but it won't be easy.

"Aston Villa aren't going to want to let him go on the cheap, it'll take a huge offer to get it done, and then it's about whether Arsenal are willing to pay what Villa want.

"Either way, though, I can tell you this, the manager doesn't want to lose him so he will be hoping that the club stand their ground."

Why are Arsenal pushing to sign Konsa?

Arsenal's attempts to sign Konsa have ramped up over the last week as they scramble to add to their defensive options ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

An injury blow to William Saliba at the World Cup has dented Mikel Mikel Arteta's back line, and they have been planning to land a replacement since the window opened.

Konsa's Premier League and international experience, ability to play both at centre-back and right-back, and relationship with some current Arsenal stars are set to be key.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been playing their part in the pursuit of Konsa, having spoken to him during the World Cup with England.

That will come as a boost to Arsenal's chances of reaching an agreement, with the centre-back now emergin as their top target to strengthen at the back.