Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed that Cameron Archer is likely to leave on loan, but insisted that Danny Ings isn’t going anywhere.
Villa secured a point against Wolves on Wednesday night thanks to a goal from Ings after he came off the bench in the second half, while he almost added a superb assist in injury time too with Leon Bailey missing a big chance.
READ MORE: Villa player ratings vs Wolves: Ings rescues point in disappointing display
His contribution showcased his quality and ability to make an impact for us, but it came after speculation on Wednesday that he could be allowed to leave the club.
As per the Daily Mail’s Dominic King, Everton reportedly had a loan offer for Ings rejected by Villa, but it was added that the club would only be open to a permanent exit and that clubs were interested, thus raising question marks over whether or not he might still move on this month.
Fortunately, Emery himself has addressed the topic, and while he ruled out a departure for Ings, he confirmed that Archer will be the first player to move on as he nears a loan move to join Middlesbrough for the rest of the season, as reported by The Northern Echo.
“I spoke with some players about the opportunity to leave but not with him [Ings], Emery said, as per BirminghamLive. “Today I think the first player who leaves is Cameron Archer but I didn’t speak to Danny about it. The idea is to keep him in the squad.
“I don’t know [about a bid]. The club hasn’t told me anything. Danny is a very good player in the first XI. Against Brighton he scored two goals and, usually, he gives impact and, today, we needed him and he helped the team like we needed. I’m really so happy with him, his commitment at the beginning and then his performances tonight.”
If Emery is happy with Ings and believes that he fits into his plans and style of play, then there is no reason why Villa should look to offload him at all, as we saw in midweek how he can make a crucial impact for us.
He offers quality in the final third and particularly if Archer moves on temporarily and Villa don’t look to bolster our attacking options up front, then it becomes fundamental that we keep Ings to compete with Ollie Watkins for a starting spot up top.
Based on Emery’s comments above, it doesn’t sound as though the 30-year-old will be going anywhere this month, as he made it six goals in 17 Premier League appearances so far this season with his effort against Wolves, and so we wait to see if reinforcements arrive in that department instead.