Asked Emery about Alejandro Garnacho: "Continue working. Work, work, train, work. When he can have minutes to play, try and play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now. "George is playing fantastic. Alysson is also understanding things well and is giving us things I want. Mbaye also responded well. We want a competitive team and players to compete in the style we have. Garnacho is a little bit behind, because of some circumstances we had in pre-season. It is time to be patient for the time he needs." #AVFC

John McGinn speaking last night: "The players who have left have decided the opportunities they’ve had are probably better for them but there is nothing better than playing for Aston Villa in the Champions League." #AVFC

Unai Emery on whether Ollie Watkins refused to play: "The question is for him, I can't answer. I can only answer with my silence. "I can't explain - he can." #AVFC

Arsenal reach agreement to sign Ezri Konsa from #AVFC. 28yo said goodbye to team-mates today ahead of scheduled medical tomorrow. Deal worth in region of £51million+add-ons. Story w/@David_Ornstein & @gunnerblog on @TheAthleticFC #AFC nytimes.com/athletic/7451792…

Lucas Digne, like Youri Tielemans, leaves with the best wishes of #AVFC. Emery wanted to sell him in his first summer - Digne kept his head down, trained on days off, returned from international duty early and stayed overnight at Bodymoor. Proper professional and worked his way back in at Villa and with France

Such sad news that Steve Hopcroft has passed away. An excellent, respectful man who reenergised Aston Villa’s academy alongside Mark Harrison. They moved from West Brom and Hopcroft was widely considered the best spotter of talent in the Midlands and beyond. Hopcroft helped scout so many talents - including spotting Morgan Rogers aged 7. His contacts, network and skill empowered Villa’s youth. A hard-working, hugely respected figure who will be deeply missed.