By Gabriel Agbonlahor

19th Aug, 2023 | 7:00am

Aston Villa expert: Emery 'happy to let go' Archer after new bid submitted

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Aston Villa “definitely” need to add a new striker if Cameron Archer leaves the club this summer.

The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested a “serious injury” to Ollie Watkins would have catastrophic consequences for his old side.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (16 August) that Sheffield United have seen a £10million bid for Archer rejected.

However, it is believed that Unai Emery will allow Archer to leave Villa Park before the window shuts next month.

He went out on loan to Middlesbrough in January and notched 11 goals and six assists from just 20 second-tier matches for Michael Carrick’s side.

Archer is under contract until June 2027 but could leave Villa Park this summer after struggling to make an impact since Emery’s appointment last November.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I would’ve kept him around, but Emery seems happy enough to let him go.

“But there’s a lot of football to be played, and Watkins can’t play Thursday-Sunday every week.

“That’s how you pick up muscle injuries.

“Duran hasn’t proved himself yet, he needs a good run of games.

“I just think we need three strikers.

“Especially when you’re in all these competitions. If Archer does go, I think Aston Villa definitely need to bring in another forward – just to be safe.

“If Watkins gets a serious injury, like Mings or Buendia, you’re left with Duran for all four competitions.”

In other news, Aston Villa ready to trigger midfielder clause.