Fabrizio Romano reports Aston Villa and Fulham nearing major transfer deal

Aston Villa and Fulham are on the brink of finalising a significant transfer deal that could see Brazilian defender Diego Carlos make the move from Villa Park to Craven Cottage. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the two Premier League clubs are in advanced discussions, with an agreement seemingly just around the corner.

Diego Carlos' challenging time at Aston Villa

Diego Carlos, 31, joined Aston Villa from Sevilla in 2022 for a reported fee of £26 million. His early tenure at the Midlands club was marred by a ruptured Achilles tendon, sidelining him for much of his debut season. Despite this setback, Carlos made a strong comeback, becoming a key figure in manager Unai Emery's plans, especially after fellow defender Tyrone Mings suffered a long-term injury.

However, Aston Villa are now open to offers for Carlos as they aim to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes. Fulham, having recently seen Joao Palhinha depart and Emile Smith Rowe join their ranks, are eager to enhance their defensive line-up following Tosin Adarabioyo's move to Chelsea. Cottagers manager Marco Silva sees Carlos as the perfect candidate to fill the gap in his defence.

Implications of the transfer on Villa's defence

Should the transfer go through, Aston Villa would face a shortage of experienced central defenders. With Clement Lenglet back at his parent club and Mings still recovering, Emery's senior options are currently limited to Ezri Konsa and new signing Pau Torres.

The Villans are actively seeking potential replacements, with Lutsharel Geertruida, Joe Gomez, and Trevoh Chalobah among the names being considered. If these pursuits do not materialise, young talent Lamare Bogarde could be called upon to provide back-up.

Financial considerations and future prospects

Financial considerations are also influencing this potential transfer. Carlos, who has not always been a regular starter when Villa's squad is at full strength, commands a significant salary. Journalist Dan Bardell highlighted to Villa News that the club might view this as an opportunity to recoup part of their investment and reduce their wage expenses.

Despite the challenges he faced, Carlos delivered impressive performances for Aston Villa, notably against top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City last season. However, with his playing time potentially limited and Fulham reportedly ready to make a lucrative offer, both the club and the player might see the advantages of a move.

As Aston Villa and Fulham work to iron out the final details of the transfer, attention now turns to the structure of the deal. Personal terms are yet to be finalised, making the upcoming days crucial in determining whether Carlos will indeed join Fulham. If the transfer is completed, it could represent a savvy move for both clubs, allowing Villa to pursue new defensive targets while providing Fulham with an experienced addition to their backline.