In a recent report, The Telegraph (subscription required) has provided an update on Manchester City‘s pursuit of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos this summer. The same source has also stated that Pep Guardiola’s side will face stiff competition from Arsenal, among several other top European clubs, in pursuit of the Brazilian defender during this summer transfer window.
Carlos’ Solid Form At Seville This Season
The Sevilla star has enjoyed a brilliant season at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium after he produced several commanding displays at the centre of Julen Lopetegui’s defence. Carlos has scored two goals in 41 matches for the Spanish outfit this term on all fronts, which sheds light on his tenacity to get involved in the final third during offensive set-pieces.
Defensively, the former Nantes centre-half has averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League this season. The 27-year-old has been an outstanding ball-playing defender for Sevilla as he has completed 84.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Carlos has still not made his senior debut for Brazil. However, a move to the Premier League this summer could offer him a more prominent platform to showcase his worth as a centre-back at the highest level and stake a claim in Tite’s squad for next summer’s Copa America.
What Will The Brazilian Sensation Bring To The Table?
Carlos is an intelligent defender and has decent pace which he can use to make some lung-bursting recovering runs at the back. He averaged five clearances per game in the recently concluded La Liga season which highlight just how well he has performed for the Andalusian outfit during this campaign. The Brazilian is often quick to sense the danger and can dominate his own penalty area with authority and conviction. He is a hard-working centre-back who is always willing to put his body on the line to make a clearance or block a goal-bound shot from the opposition.
Should Guardiola Step Up His Efforts To Recruit Carlos This Summer?
Carlos ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Pep Guardiola generally demands from his defenders. The South American defensive ace has the potential to form a magnificent partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the Etihad Stadium next season if Man City can find a way to land him during this summer transfer period. He will not only add more stability and variety to Guardiola’s defensive department, but also improve the overall quality of his squad.
Therefore, the Mancunian giants should consider stepping up their attempts to sign Carlos before the start of the new campaign. At 27, he seems like an instant fix to Man City’s defensive concerns and could help them win even more silverware in the coming seasons.
