Agbonlahor issues verdict on Aston Villa signing Matteo Guendouzi after swap deal update
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Aston Villa are not in need of another central midfielder as they enter talks to sign Matteo Guendouzi.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old would not get into Unai Emery’s best starting eleven.
Sources told this site on 14 January that Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Guendouzi from Marseille and have discussed offering Morgan Sanson in a part-exchange move.
The former Arsenal midfielder is valued at around £30million by the French club and negotiations have already begun over a deal between the sides.
Guendouzi, who has a strong relationship with former Gunners boss Unai Emery, has notched three goals and four assists in 24 games this season.
Aston Villa already have the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz to call on in the central midfield area.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s got a bad attitude, but Emery can sort that out considering they have a good relationship.
“Guendouzi is a good player, but I just don’t think we need any help in that department.
“We’ve got Kamara, Luiz, Ramsey, McGinn. I would be looking at different positions.
“He could help with competition for places, but if you set out Aston Villa’s best side – I don’t think Guendouzi gets into it.”
Aston Villa sit 11th in the Premier League after 19 games – and are 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Emery’s side face bottom club Southampton on Saturday (21 January).
In other news, pundit claims Tyrone Mings could now quit Aston Villa for Premier League rivals after new claim.