Agbonlahor can’t believe Aston Villa could seal £35m Tammy Abraham deal
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed he is “not convinced” by the prospect of Tammy Abraham returning to Aston Villa after his below-par season at Roma.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old would not be an “upgrade” on red-hot Ollie Watkins.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (28 March), Aston Villa are interested in bringing former loanee Abraham back to the club this summer.
The report claims a fee of around £35million would be enough to secure the striker’s services – and he is keen on a return to England as he looks to break into Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad.
Abraham has managed just seven goals in a faltering 2022-23 campaign after hitting 27 strikes across all competitions in 2021-22.
Watkins has stepped up after the January departure of Danny Ings, scoring eight goals in his last 10 league games as Villa make a late tilt at a European berth.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s a totally different striker to Watkins.
“I do like Abraham. He’s a decent striker – but still. He didn’t do it at Chelsea, and he’s tailed off this season at Roma.
“I don’t think he’s the answer. Duran is at the club, Ollie Watkins is a top striker – this new striker has to tick every single box in order for him to improve the side.
“Abraham doesn’t tick every box. He wouldn’t be an upgrade on Watkins and he can’t play out wide.
“I’m not overly convinced by him. We’ve got to go for the top bracket of forward this summer.”
In other news, Aston Villa set sights on signing Man United star in new twist.