'I Would Say Sell' - Pundit Suggests Liverpool And Arsenal Transfer Target Needs To Leave

Pundit and Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Carney Chukwuemeka may have to be sold amidst interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

The youngster was left behind from Villa’s pre-season tour in Australia, which gives a clear indication of where Steven Gerrard’s head is at with the situation.

At 18, he is regarded as of one of the top talents in the country. He captains the England Under-19 squad, and has made 11 league appearances for the Villans last term.

But Agbonlahor, another who came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath, believes that Chukwuemeka’s future at Villa is purely dependent on the financial side of things.

“I would say keep,” said Agbonlahor to talkSPORT. “But the problem is the wages and what he is asking for. Aston Villa have got to stick to their guns."

“If he is asking for too much money, then I would say sell because he hasn’t earned the right to earn top money yet.”

It is rumoured that the teenager is asking for around £100,000 a week, which would put him amongst the top earners at Villa Park.

Despite Chukwuemeka’s clear potential, it would be foolish for Villa to give him money he almost definitely hasn’t earned yet. And with a price tag of £20m on his shoulders, plenty of clubs at the elite level will be circling.

Liverpool have been mentioned a lot during talks about Chukwuemeka, but it would likely be extremely tough for him to force his way into the first team at Anfield.

The Reds already have an abundance of young midfielders who are fighting for a starting spot.

Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton will all be chomping at the bit to get minutes and the addition of Chukwuemeka would only disrupt the food chain, especially on the wages he will demand.

Arsenal, PSG and Manchester United have also been discussed, but with Jude Bellingham’s future in doubt next summer, Borussia Dortmund could be the ideal destination for Chukwuemeka given their track record of developing talent.