Agbonlahor: Aston Villa backed to complete Matheus Cunha deal after latest update

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Aston Villa to sign Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer insisted Cunha would offer something different to both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

The Daily Express reported earlier this week (5 December) that Aston Villa are targeting both Cunha and Marcus Thuram of Borussia Monchengladbach and France.

Thuram is out of contract in the summer so could be available for a cut-price in the winter transfer window and Aston Villa would be free to negotiate a pre-contract deal from 1 January.

It is also claimed Atletico will be willing to sell Cunha in January as they need to raise funds after failing to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds.

"I think Unai Emery is definitely interested in a striker," Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

"They were interested in Cunha at Atletico Madrid.

"I think they need a different style. I don't think they need Thuram, I think Cunha is a player who can hold the ball up and get in behind.

"They've got Danny Ings and they've got Watkins, I don't think they need another one similar to them, we need something different.

"Cunha is definitely a different kind of striker.

"I'm sure Unai Emery's got his ideas and I'm sure he will be backed.

"Does that mean Cameron Archer goes and get himself a loan deal? He can't afford to waste another six months, he needs to go out and play."

Cunha is yet to score in 17 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Madrid this season.

The Brazil international, 23, moved to the Spanish giants from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2021.

In other news, Aston Villa are to be offered a £15million Leicester City star.