Arsenal chasing Villa star Agbonlahor

Arsenal could make a £17 million bid for Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor next summer, but only if the England international maintains his form for the rest of the season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is said to have been tracking the striker for a number of years, but is worried at Agbonlahor’s ability to score consistently.

Wenger was said to be interested in signing the pacy striker back in 2007 before deciding on Croatian international Eduardo instead, and considered a move for the 23-year-old last year after he scored 10 goals before Christmas.

However, after netting just twice after christmas Wenger became worried about his dip in form and wants to follow the striker over a whole season before parting with £17 million.

Despite Agbonlahor insistence that he will remain at Villa Park, many tip the striker to make the move should an offer come in, with the chance of Champions League football and a bigger stage on which to impress England boss Fabio Capello the pulling factor.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to complete the transfer of Brazilian wonderkid Wellington Silva from Fluminense for around £3 million.

[Source: Daily Star]