Agbonlahor issues verdict on possible Ollie Watkins exit as Aston Villa deal agreed
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Ollie Watkins is playing for his Aston Villa future with Unai Emery “100% sure” to sign another striker in the summer window.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old is capable of being the “main striker” for the Midlands giants.
Watkins scored a brace last week (4 February) as Aston Villa fell 4-2 at home against Leicester City.
Danny Ings was allowed to leave to West Ham last month – with 19-year-old Jhon Duran joining Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire earlier in the January window, leaving Watkins as the only senior striking option.
As per Birmingham Live (30 January), Emery was confident of drafting in a striker to replace Ings – but no such move materialised as the transfer deadline passed.
Watkins brought up 30 Premier League strikes with his brace against Leicester – and has contributed six goals and four assists so far this season.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He showed that striker’s instinct with his first goal against Leicester.
“I think he can be the main striker for us. There are 18 games left, and he will be confident of scoring goals if the team play to his best attributes.
“I think everyone is playing for their place in this Aston Villa side at the moment, Watkins included.
“We’ve brought in Duran, who is only young and will be eased in and out of the side.
“Another striker will 100% be coming in the summer – and its competition for Watkins.
“I think Emery will want to keep him around, but he’s going to have to fight against whoever comes in.”
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