By Gabriel Agbonlahor

22nd Sep, 2023 | 7:00am

Aston Villa have just made 'signing of the summer' as Agbonlahor blown away

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Moussa Diaby is “one of the signings of the summer” after his glittering early performances for Aston Villa.

The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old is “triple the player” of Man United’s Antony – who cost a reported £85million last summer.

Diaby grabbed another assist in the win over Crystal Palace on Saturday (16 September) to take his tally for the season to two goals and two assists in six games.

Villa fended off interest from Saudi Arabia and top European clubs to bring the France international to the Midlands, paying a reported club-record fee of £51.9million for his services.

Unai Emery previously managed the player at Paris Saint-Germain – although he made no appearances for the Spaniard in the French capital.

Diaby, who managed 14 goals and 11 assists in 48 games for Bayer Leverkusen last season, signed a five-year contract at Villa Park.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s one of the signings of the summer, 100%.

“To pip Saudi Arabia to a deal, it just shows that he trusts Unai Emery and the project at Aston Villa.

“When you look at how much players are going for – the likes of Antony – he’s almost half the price, and he’s triple the player.

“It’s good recruitment, it’s spending money wisely.

“He’s still young, and I think he’ll be a real steal for Aston Villa at that price.

“He’ll keep improving. He is what we thought Leon Bailey would be – and his arrival has even raised Bailey’s game as well.

“I love that he chose Aston Villa, and hopefully he can have a real impact in the European games too. It’s exciting times at the club.”

In other news, Monchi revolution continues at Aston Villa as behind-the-scenes deal agreed.