Amid ongoing speculation of interest in Diego Carlos, an important decision on the Aston Villa defender’s future may be needed this summer.
The initial report from AS suggested that AC Milan are set to target the 31-year-old at the end of the season, while Calciomercato have since doubled down on that claim, as they subsequently noted that contact has been made.
READ MORE: Villa linked with potential swoop for talented youngster
Carlos joined us from Sevilla in July 2022, and after an Achilles injury sadly ruined his debut season with us, he’s gone on to make 37 appearances for the club.
Particularly under Unai Emery, we’ve seen him establish himself as an important option in defence for the Villa boss, more so this season as we’ve looked to compete on multiple fronts having reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League whilst challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
However, a decision may well need to be made on Carlos this summer if Milan step up their interest and lodge a bid to acquire his services, and there will be much to consider.
The initial response to the transfer talk seems to be to reject their approach as the Brazilian centre-half is an important option in the Villa squad.
While Clement Lenglet could depart when his season-long loan deal expires, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause are free to leave the club too.
That leaves us with Carlos, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as our centre-half options, and that’s a strong quartet to try and compete on various fronts again next season. With his European experience and style of play that suits that level as well as Emery’s way of playing and structure, Carlos is a key piece in our squad.
Nevertheless, at 31 years of age, with his injury history and the fact that his contract still runs until 2026, could this be the best opportunity we have to cash in on him and recoup some of the money spent on his transfer fee?
This approach and way of thinking will only prove to be the right one if we identify and sign a suitable replacement, but there is merit to those who perhaps lean that way when it comes to what decision might be made.
Villa have shown that they are ready to be astute in the transfer market from a business and financial perspective too, and following claims earlier in the year about our PSR and FFP position, sales may well be needed to balance our spending this summer.
Having made 34 appearances so far this season and proven to be a reliable and important option for Emery who values him and can be flexible with his tactical set-up with Carlos in the side, it doesn’t seem as though the end decision will be one that ends with the commanding centre-half being sold.
Time will tell though if other factors influence the decision-making process and we see a reshuffle in that department ahead of next season.
With the reported interest in him in mind, should Villa rebuff any potential bids for Carlos this summer or consider a suitable offer?
