As the summer season continues to provide the yearly twists and turns that we have come to expect from it, rumours are gathering pace that former manager Martin O’Neill has is planning a raid on Aston Villa for several players – in the form of Richard Dunne and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
With Agbonlahor a certified fan of Villa as well as the most senior Villa player in terms of his time at the club amongst current squad members, it may well prove to be a struggle to convince the Erdington born striker that his future lies elsewhere.
However, if Villa are indeed to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, it may well be in the interests of Agbonlahor to seek a team that can provide him with first team football in his preferred position as a striker, with Villa’s Darren Bent seeming like the current first choice for the sole striker role.
Of course, Agbonlahor may choose to fight for his place or continue to adapt as he has in recent seasons by playing in a wide role when asked, though the competition from natural wide players such as N’Zogbia, Holman, and Albrighton may mean Agbonlahor may see limited time on the pitch in a wide role.
Figures touted put the price for Villa’s number 11 at £8m – perhaps a fair price considering issues with injury that have affected the pacy striker in recent years – though cutting his wage from the current Villa payroll may not result in much savings compared to other, higher paid players.
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