Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has launched a scathing attack on the club’s reported move for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, describing the potential transfer as a “nightmare” while questioning both the Argentine’s ability and attitude.
Garnacho has been strongly linked with a loan move to Villa Park that includes a conditional obligation to buy, just a year after completing a £40 million switch from Manchester United to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old endured a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge, scoring once in 24 Premier League appearances, with Chelsea reportedly placing him on the transfer list this summer.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Agbonlahor made it clear he does not want Villa to complete the deal.
“No! Break, advertisements time.
“Don’t want to talk about it.
“It’s not happening.
“It’s a dream, a nightmare!” he said.
The former Villa forward also questioned Garnacho’s performances during his time at Chelsea.
“He’s not a good player.
“Whenever I’ve watched him, he can’t get past the full-back.
“In his last five, six games for Chelsea last season, honestly, he would run to the full-back, turn around and pass it back.
“He was scared to take a player on.
“There’s a reason why he’s a Manchester United reject.
“There’s a reason why he’s a Chelsea reject.
“There’s a reason why he was not even called up to Argentina for the World Cup when they’ve got a lack of wingers.
“From his career that I followed at Manchester United, he’s got the ego of Ronaldo or Messi, but he hasn’t got the talent of David Bellion that used to play at Manchester United 20 years ago.”
Agbonlahor also expressed concerns that Garnacho’s arrival could disrupt the positive atmosphere Unai Emery has built at Aston Villa, particularly following Morgan Rogers’ departure to Chelsea.
“If you’re looking at characters as well, Aston Villa’s changing room is amazing: we talk about Morgan Rogers and everyone getting on with him and loving him.
“Do you want a bad egg going into a changing room?
“Everything you hear about Garnacho, throwing his arms up when he’s coming off, the way he left Manchester United.”
Despite his criticism, Agbonlahor admitted Emery has the ability to revive struggling players.
“If there’s any manager who can sort him out, then it’s Unai Emery.”
