Owen Hargreaves is baffled as to why Arsenal overlooked Sevilla powerhouse Diego Carlos, describing the Europa League hero as the ‘most underrated centre-back’ on the continent while speaking to BT Sport (16 August, 8pm).
While Julen Lopetegui’s well-drilled outfit failed to keep a sixth straight clean sheet against Manchester United on Sunday, they can take some consolation from extending their club-record unbeaten streak to a 20th match in all competitions.
And that is despite the fact that neither Carlos, nor his highly-rated partner Jules Kounde, enjoyed their best display of a stellar season during the Europa League semi-final.
If Manchester United, and in particular Anthony Martial, had not wasted a whole host of chances, then it would be Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side preparing for a European final against either Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk.
Whatever happens on Friday, however, Sevilla’s legendary sporting director Monchi will face one hell of a battle as he looks to keep an exciting squad of players together with Carlos, amongst others, turning plenty of heads.
“I think Sevilla have the best centre-back, the most underrated centre-back, in European football in Diego Carlos,” said former England international Hargreaves.
“I think he is a fabulous player, Brazilian, 27, is rugged, can compete, really good player.
“These two guys are fabulous and I promise, I think after this game everyone’s going to: ‘How come Chelsea or Arsenal don’t sign these players?’.”
As you might imagine given that central defence remains Arsenal’s Achilles heel, The Gunners have indeed been linked with a move for the late-blooming Brazilian, via El Desmarque in May.
But in a summer where big-money signings are at a premium, Sevilla’s £63 million price-tag is likely to put off plenty of suitors between now and the October transfer deadline.
That is a damn sight more than the £13.5 million Sevilla paid for Carlos last summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
