Aston Villa told to make El Ghazi U-turn after inside source reveal – Agbonlahor
Aston Villa should make a U-turn on their plan to sell Anwar El Ghazi in January, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer insisted El Ghazi should be given an extended run in the starting XI.
The winger started the opening three Premier League games of the season but has only featured once in the top-flight since.
Dean Smith has moved to a wing-back system meaning there is no space for the 26-year-old.
A Villa source told Football Insider (19 October) the club will let him go in January if their £18million asking price is met.
It is understood Jose Mourinho’s Roma have reignited their interest in El Ghazi after holding preliminary talks over the summer.
Asked whether Villa should cash in on the two-time Netherlands international, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “People weren’t happy with El Ghazi two seasons ago.
“But last season I thought he was one of our best players. Whenever he came in, he made something happen, he was scoring goals.
“I’d keep him, definitely, and start playing him.
“You can play him on the left, Leon Bailey on the right and they can both switch wings. Then one striker through the middle.”
El Ghazi ended last season as Aston Villa’s second-top scorer with 11 goals in 31 games across all competitions.
He is under contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2023 after signing a four-year deal in 2019 when he completed a permanent move from Lille.
In other news, Newcastle United have set their sights on signing an Aston Villa star in January and £15million will seal the deal.