Premier League outfit Aston Villa want to sign Diego Carlos and have entered talks to sign Sevilla’s La Liga stopper, as reported by Spanish publication Marca.
Aston Villa may have disappointed on the pitch in 2021/22 but there can be no question about their ambition off it.
Last summer, the Midland giants splashed out big fees on the likes of Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey, one of the most exciting talents in the Bundesliga.
They have already secured permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season at the helm.
Diego Carlos, however, could be the most eye-catching addition of the entire Wes Edens – Nayef Sawiris era. The rock-solid centre-back will surely be the most expensive.
Aston Villa want to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla
The Athletic were the first to report, on Wednesday, that Aston Villa are keen on Carlos, seeing the Brazilian battering ram as one of the best in his position anywhere in European football. A Villa side who have made a habit of pulling off eye-catching transfer coups are wasting no time either, entering talks with a Sevilla side who finished fourth in La Liga, qualifying once again for the Champions League group-stages.
Carlos, at 29, is determined to seize such an opportunity. Villa represent a step down from Sevilla in a sporting perspective but not in a financial one. The late-blooming defender earns £40,000-a-week at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and would be in line for a substantial pay rise at Villa Park.
Gerrard, after being approached about the idea of working with Carlos, immediately made him a top priority.
Full steam ahead
Marca add that Aston Villa are leaving nothing to chance, fully aware that there are plenty of other clubs batting their eyelashes in Carlos’ direction. Newcastle United tried to sign the former Nantes ace in January, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked.
It is understood that Newcastle have not spoken to Carlos in recent weeks.
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“I was always very calm,” explains Carlos, who has formed a formidable partnership with France international Jules Kounde at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
“If they reached an agreement (with Newcastle), fine. But since nothing concrete arose.”
Carlos has a £63 million release clause in his contract. Sevilla, however, may be willing consider offers closer to £40 million. A fee that would make Carlos Aston Villa’s new record signing.
Villa are also in discussions to bring in Rangers’ Calvin Bassey for a further £25 million.
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