Despite seven players signing for Aston Villa this summer, Unai Emery still feels there is work to be done ahead of Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
The likes of Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene and Amadou Onana have all joined the Aston Villa ranks as Unai Emery looks to build on last season’s top four finish.
Given the club have sold both Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby this summer, it is not a surprise that Emery wants one or two more through the door at Villa Park to have his squad ready for the Champions League.
That has seen the club consider a number of options, with Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Lutsharel Geertruida all names that have been mentioned in associated with a move to Villa.
Felix has now signed for Chelsea and the club have distanced themselves from a move for Sterling but Villa remain firmly in the race for Geertruida.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa transfer priority before Deadline Day now emerges as Raheem Sterling deal ruled out
However, it may not be solely about incomings this week, as there could still be exits from Villa before the summer’s business is over.
Unai Emery told Diego Carlos upgrade not easy to find for Aston Villa
One such player is centre-back Diego Carlos, who was strongly linked with a move to Fulham only a matter of weeks ago.
Villa are already short on central defenders with Tyrone Mings still out injured and Clement Lenglet only on loan last season.
That leaves just Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Carlos as senior options available to Emery, which is largely the reason behind the club’s pursuit of Geertruida; the Dutchman also attractive due to his ability to play right-back.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa hold interest in £25m Lutsharel Geertruida alternative who’s an ‘impressive character’
However, speaking on the 1874 podcast, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans voiced concerns about the potential sale of Carlos, as he explained: “It’s a strange one with Carlos isn’t it, because in the Arsenal games last year he was impressive, wasn’t he.
“He hasn’t done too much wrong, really, in a Villa shirt. I think he’s performed quite well and I think it would be quite hard actually for Villa to go out and buy another centre-half who would be better than Diego Carlos.
“I feel like him not coming on [for Matty Cash against Arsenal] – or not featuring in the last game – was a sign really of where he’s at.”
Emery could regret selling Carlos before transfer window closes
Cash came off injured in the 15th-minute against Arsenal and was replaced by 18-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic.
Many would have assumed Carlos would be introduced, with Konsa shifting to a right-back role he has played on many occasions at Villa.
The fact that Emery decided against this is perhaps the biggest clue so far that he is looking to sell the Brazilian, especially given he was so impressive against Arsenal last time out.
When Villa beat the Gunners 2-0 at The Emirates in April, Gary Neville was full of praise for Carlos as he said whilst on commentary duty for Sky Sports: “He’s been Villa’s best player in the first half Diego Carlos, he’s been immense.”
Neville later named Carlos as his man of the match that day, saying: “Diego Carlos, outstanding in that first half. Clean sheet, he’s been outstanding. In the first half, he was a man mountain.”
If Villa do sign Geertruida then it would make sense for all parties for Carlos to be sold.
If not, however, then Villa should do all they can to keep the 31-year-old at the club until at least January.
