Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to a transfer update involving Watford forward Ismaila Sarr, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Sarr deal falls through
Reports over the weekend claimed that Villa had agreed on a fee with Watford to sign Sarr. Sarr was set to cost an initial ÂŁ25m plus add-ons and was rumoured to have even passed a Villa medical on Sunday.
However, a move for the Senegal international has now fallen through, with Villa reportedly walking away from a deal.
The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts
Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding the news on Sarr.
He admitted he was âreally excitedâ at the possibility of Sarr moving to the Midlands and has been left âdisappointedâ at the transfer collapsing.
âIâm disappointed that the deal has fallen through.
âI donât know the reasons, maybe asking for too much in wages or the deal didnât work for Aston Villa.
âI was really excited when I heard that he was coming because for me, Aston Villa, for years, have had bags of pace in their side. I feel like Sarr wouldâve offered a different strategy for Steven Gerrard.
âI watch [Allan] Saint-Maximin whenever Newcastle play and his pace frightens defenders, he creates space for other players and Sarr wouldâve done that for Aston Villa because the pace that heâs got is frightening. We need more pace in that side to have a different plan in games.”
The Verdict: Two needed?
It looks as if Steven Gerrard is open to the idea of bringing in a new versatile forward before the September 1 deadline, especially with Bertrand Traore joining Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.
A new centre-back is also needed following Diego Carlosâ serious injury, so it could be an extremely busy end to the window for NSWE and Johan Lange.
Blackburn Roversâ Ben Brereton Diaz has been linked with Villa following the news regarding Sarr, so perhaps he could be one to keep an eye on over the coming days.
