Diego Carlos exit: Another club ‘approach Aston Villa’ over January transfer
Aston Villa have received an approach from Galatasaray for Diego Carlos, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via X (15 January) that the Super Lig giants have opened discussions with Villa, who are eager to negotiate a sale in the winter transfer window.
While reports emerging from Spain claimed Carlos was to be used as makeweight in a deal for Unai Emery to sign Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade, Romano has suggested that VamosMiSevilla (15 January) is wide of the mark.
“Galatasaray have approached Aston Villa to ask for Brazilian centre-back Diego Carlos,” Romano said.
“Talks start as Diego Carlos can still leave Aston Villa with several options open. He won’t be part of Loic Bade deal with Sevilla despite reports.”
Diego Carlos could leave Aston Villa for Galatasaray
Aston Villa remain in contention for a second consecutive Champions League finish, despite a rocky start to the season, but the number of goals conceded at Villa Park is a serious cause for concern.
The Villans have let in 32 goals in 20 Premier League matches, and only Brentford boasts a worse defensive record among the sides currently occupying the top 10 positions.
Although Emery has relied on Carlos more regularly than he would have liked, the Brazilian centre-back has hardly produced performances worthy of a long-term stay in the West Midlands.
It will come as a blow to Monchi that a swap deal with Sevilla for Bade will not materialise – the 24-year-old, who is seven years younger than Carlos, would represent a significant upgrade in a problem position.
Nevertheless, interest remains in the Brazilian and while Fenerbahce were believed to be leading the race for his services [L’Equipe], their Istanbul rivals have stolen the march.
Emery has already taken to the winter transfer window to strengthen his squad with the acquisition of Donyell Malen, but with PSR constraints still a concern at Villa Park, Carlos will have to leave before the deadline slams shut on 3 February before conducting further business.
In other Aston Villa news, Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran conflict mooted at Villa amid a £60m exit claim.
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