Aston Villa respond as Fulham submit first Diego Carlos transfer offer
Aston Villa have rejected an opening offer for Diego Carlos from Fulham ahead of the transfer deadline, according to David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist reported via X on Friday (9 August) that discussions are continuing between the two clubs over a deal which could see the Brazilian make the move to Craven Cottage ahead of the new season.
Marco Silva’s side aren’t the only team interested in the 31-year-old, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League also understood to be admirers of Carlos who Villa are open to offers for.
West Ham United have also reportedly been keen to secure the defender’s signature as they consider him a potential replacement for Kurt Zouma if he is to depart the London Stadium [The Telegraph, 8 August].
Will Diego Carlos exit Aston Villa amid Fulham transfer rumours?
Villa have plenty of options in defence heading into the new Premier League season and that means that Unai Emery’s side are more than willing to listen to appropriate offers for Carlos should they arrive.
However, the Villans are not in any rush to sell the Brazilian having balanced their books earlier in the transfer window and that means that any deal will have to be completed on their terms rather than the buying clubs.
Fulham seem to be desperate to bring the 31-year-old to London and remain keen to reach an agreement despite having their opening offer rejected. It wouldn’t be a shock if they returned with a new bid sooner rather than later.
There is certainly an agreement there to be reached. In an ideal world, the interest from the Saudi Pro League would develop into a genuine offer to begin a bidding war for the defender.
If several clubs were to begin bidding for Carlos, it would drive up his price which could only be a good thing for Emery’s side. Hopefully, things will develop quickly ahead of the new campaign.
In other Aston Villa news, Lucas Digne has been told to leave Villa Park this summer after a Galatasaray transfer update emerged
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.