Ollie Watkins. (Aston Villa FC/Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped the club to sell Ollie Watkins to Arsenal, and then pip them to the signing of target Nico Williams.
In what would be quite the transfer merry-go-round this summer, the former Villa and England striker has suggested that the club could look to reshuffle to balance the books.
Agbonlahor spoke to talkSPORT, saying Villa may need to offload some star assets to raise funds, amongst PSR concerns.
“He’s (Waktins) nearly 30,” said Agbonlahor. “Will they look at whether we can get £40m or £50m from Watkins?”
Disgruntled figure
Lifelong Arsenal fan Watkins is reportedly unhappy with being dropped for Marcus Rashford by manager Unai Emery in recent games. Rashford’s arrival on loan in January has seen him enjoy the bulk of the minutes at the expense of Watkins. Rashford could join permanently given his affordable asking price and is two years Watkins’ junior.
At 29, Watkins could be seen a make weight to balance the books at Villa Park.
“That saves you from PSR and then you can invest that money again on someone a bit younger.”
Agbonlahor added: “I think he’d do a great job for Arsenal. He’s an Arsenal fan and we know that as well.
“I would love him to sign another contract to stay at Aston Villa, I feel like he’s still got a lot to give. But sometimes these managers have got other ideas, he might be looking at it and thinking Rashford is the way forward is £40m. It’s hard to see what Unai Emery wants to be honest.”
One in, one out?
Agbonlahor then tipped Villa to beat Arsenal to the signing of long term target Nico Williams. When asked about incomings at Villa Park, Agbonlahor named the Bilbao forward as someone to bolster Unai Emery’s options.
“He might be looking at Nico Williams from Bilbao. I know he’s a big admirer of him. Could he be one that comes in for the summer.”
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