Aston Villa have done some incredible business this summer and they are probably not done yet.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have “genuine” interest in signing Villa defender Diego Carlos.
The Telegraph reported this week that Villa are open to offers for the 31-year-old defender who has two years remaining on his current deal.
If Carlos leaves Villa Park this summer, Unai Emery will look to sign a replacement. They have enlisted several options in case the Brazilian leaves, and one of them being Lutsharel Geertruida.
Romano wrote on X: “Fulham have genuine interest in Diego Carlos as Brazilian centre back has been approved by Marco Silva.
“Talks to follow as Aston Villa would sign replacement in case of exit with several options in list, including Geertruida.”
David Ornstein wrote for The Athletic that Villa rejected an opening bid from Fulham for Carlos, although the details of the bid have not been mentioned.
Talks are ongoing at the moment. Carlos is also wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs.
Diego Carlos likely to leave Villa Park this summer
Carlos joined from Sevilla in the summer of 2022, but he has failed to make a huge impact at the club. In his first season, he battled with injuries, and last season managed 38 games in all competitions.
The former Nantes defender was not in the Villa squad for Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly win over Athletic Bilbao, and he wasn’t injured either. It has fuelled speculations that he might be sold this summer.
Carlos was sent-off during a pre-season defeat to RB Leipzig on Villa’s tour of the United States, and it remains to be seen if Fulham, who are pushing for the deal, can get his signature.
Along with Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida, Villa are also interested in signing Liverpool’s Joe Gomez. The versatile Reds defender is an important squad player, but he could look to move elsewhere in search of regular game time.
Both Geertruida and Gomez can play in the centre of defence and at full-back, and it will give Emery the tactical flexibility and options at the back.
