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Cameron Archer told to seal Aston Villa transfer after key development - pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Cameron Archer to leave Aston Villa on loan again this season if he is not a first-choice option for Steven Gerrard.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old will have Championship sides “queuing up” to sign him on a season-long loan.
Archer played the first 45 minutes during Aston Villa’s first pre-season friendly on Saturday (9 July) and scored as Walsall fell 4-0 to their near-neighbours.
The striker, who is under contract until June 2025, has now linked up with the Villa squad for their tour of Australia as pre-season ramps up.
Archer netted 11 goals in 22 senior appearances last season – including seven strikes during a loan spell at Preston in the second half of the campaign.
The youngster has also made his breakthrough for England’s Under-21s, scoring four goals in four appearances since making his debut in June.
Whelan insisted a bit-part role at Villa is not enough for the hot-shot to continue his development.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “When it comes to pre-season, you’ve always got to back yourself.
“Otherwise, what’s the point? You’re trying to push out some of the more established names and players – and pre-season is the first port of call to do that.
“Conversations need to be had now between Gerrard and Archer about where he stands.
“He wants to be given the opportunity but if he’s going to be sitting in the Under-23s or playing a bit-part role – he’s got to go out on loan.
“Archer won’t want to be relying on injuries for his opportunity – he wants to be first choice now.
“Another loan period won’t do him any harm. He’s still very young, and after that successful time at Preston there’ll be Championship sides queuing up to take him for the season.
“We’ve now seen that he can do it at that level.”
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