Get the latest Swans news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Swansea City are confident Ashley Williams will remain the rock in their defence for their historic Europa League campaign – with Arsenal seemingly scared off by the £10m price tag on the Wales star’s head.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for centre-back Williams, who has earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best defenders over the past two seasons.

But Swansea maintain they have yet to have any enquiry or declaration of interest, formal or otherwise, from the North London giants over the Wales skipper.

The Swans are comfortable with the situation, happy with the valuation of a player who has three years left on his contract after signing a new deal last year and has been an integral part of the club’s recent success.

Arsene Wenger – although known to be an admirer of the 28-year-old – is reportedly ready to ditch any aims of landing Williams as a result of the price with Thomas Vermaelen now set to stay at the Emirates.

But Ben Davies, Williams’ colleague with club and country, reckons the £10m rating is just right for a defender he labels as one of the best in the business.

The 20-year-old said: “A price of £10million for Ash is completely justified when you see some of the money being spent, especially on foreign players who are unproven in the Premier League.

“That would be a fair price but it would still be a massive loss for us.

“Last season he was one of the best centre-halves in the league. I can’t think of many better, Especially when you consider the team he is in and doesn’t have the very best midfielders in front of him helping out.”

Davies is ready to start his second season as a senior pro having risen from the youth ranks to replace Neil Taylor when the Wales full-back suffered a lengthy lay-off.

And the Neath-born product, who earned five international caps in his breakthrough year, insists Williams deserves credit for making his debut campaign such a hit.

“Ash has had a big influence on me. He gave me a lot of confidence on the pitch and made the transition from Swansea to Wales very easy for me.

“If we do lose him to a bigger team then we will have to adapt pretty quickly.”

Davies did add his hopes that new boy Jordi Amat could provide back-up should the worse happen and Arsenal step up their interest, or former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers reemerges as a suitor for Williams.

Amat, 21, put the finishing touches on his £2.5m move from Espanyol on Friday, impressing after a La Liga loan spell with Rayo Vallecano last year.