Unai Emery explains why Aston Villa have sold Cameron Archer

Unai Emery has explained Aston Villa have sold Cameron Archer as he couldn't guarantee the striker the minutes he needs at this stage of his development in the coming season.

The 22-year-old has been confirmed as a new Southampton player in a deal worth £15m plus-addons. He spent last season at Sheffield United after joining the Blades on a permanent deal, but returned to Bodymoor Heath in July because of a clause following their relegation.

Archer was also of interest to clubs on the continent this summer, including Spanish club Getafe and Union Berlin of the Bundesliga. He held talks with Bournemouth earlier this summer, but a move never materialised.

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"Cameron Archer, we sold him [last summer], but it wasn’t a decision 100 per cent thinking he was leaving from us completely," Emery said.

"We signed him again because we were under his control. He is young and we are thinking he needs to play more and more and to continue developing himself.

"Now he is close to leaving and in case he is leaving, it is because we think he needs to do his work individually. Here, we can’t assure him that there will be minutes with us."

Villa kick-off their new season against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday (5:30pm kick-off).

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