BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Ross Barkley of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on October 23, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
According to Birmingham Mail, former Aston Villa ace, Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that the club would have to pay a premium for Ross Barkley if they want to sign him on a permanent basis.
The 26-year-old Chelsea man is on loan at Villa this season and given the way he has started for them, Agbonlahor’s words have some weight to it. Since it is just a simple loan deal with no obligation to buy, Chelsea could play hardball over the transfer fee, in case a permanent deal is talked about.
Few expected the former Everton man to settle in so well at the club. Not only has he made himself a vital starter in the team, he is also contributing with goals and assists too. His best showings came in games such as the ones against Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal.
His camaraderie with Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins has been something to watch as Villa shocked everyone with the above-mentioned results. With Barkley as another creative midfielder, the attacking burden on Grealish and John McGinn has reduced.
It will no doubt be hard to prise him away from Chelsea given his current form. But in the event that Chelsea feel they don’t need him for their side, they can still hold out for a huge transfer fee. However, Villa should try to get him regardless. Obviously, they should try to lower the price but Barkley could be a good long-term singing for them.
