Aston Villa backed to complete deal for Messi’s teammate to replace Barkley – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Aston Villa to complete a deal for Emiliano Buendia.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer suggested the Argentian would be a perfect alternative to Ross Barkley.
As revealed by Football Insider, Villa have opened preliminary talks with third parties over the potential signing of the Norwich City star.
Norwich have indicated they will let the dazzling attacker leave Carrow Road if their £30million asking price is met.
Villa are in the market to bring in two wide forwards as they prepare for another summer of big spending.
Buendia, 24, was one of the Championship’s standout performers this season as he scored 15 goals and provided 17 assists in 39 appearances.
As a result, he earned his first call up to the Argentina national team and was recently pictured in training alongside Lionel Messi.
“It’s really important to have real competition for places,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Someone like that can play on the left or as a number 10, it just adds competition.
“I’m sure Aston Villa would rather pursue that than Ross Barkley. If they can bring him in it just makes sense.
“You’ve got competition then for [Anwar] El Ghazi, [Bertrand] Traore and we don’t know how long Trezeguet will be out for.
“You need to strengthen and have competition for places.”
Barkley began life at Villa Park in fine form as he scored twice and provided one assist in his first five Premier League appearances.
The 27-year-old then picked up an injury and was not the same player when he returned to fitness in January.
In other news, Aston Villa could sign a Frank Lampard-type star after a reported update.