Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign a “wonderful” Premier League defender
After parting ways with Tim Ream, Fulham are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign his replacement as a defender who is already plying his trade in the Premier League.
Fulham transfer news
After a strong campaign last season, the Cottagers will be on the move again next season, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe looking to take Marco Silva's side to the top. The Arsenal academy graduate arrives hoping to finally put a string of injuries behind him and regain his best form.
After completing the move, Smith Rowe told Fulham's official website: “Finally I'm here, so I'm very happy for myself and my family – it's a good time.
“I'm very happy, I wanted to get there as soon as possible so I could go with my teammates.
“Listening to the project, talking to the manager, and seeing what players we have here, I think it's an interesting project for me, and a great step for my career going forward.”
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The former Arsenal man could be joined by another Premier League ace. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Diego Carlos from Aston Villa. There is reportedly more work to be done on the deal, but the Cottagers appear to be closing in on a replacement for veteran defender Ream, who recently switched London to America after signing for Charlotte FC.
A player who once cost Villa a reported £26m, Carlos could be a fantastic match for Fulham.
“Amazing” Carlos can replace Ream
Although he is no longer first choice under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Carlos could slot straight into Silva's side to replace Ream alongside Calvin Bassey this season. The 31-year-old Brazilian, who has Champions League experience and plenty of experience, would, on paper at least, be smart business for all involved at Craven Cottage.
|
Premier League 23/24 Stats (via FBref) |
Diego Carlos |
Tim Ream |
|---|---|---|
|
Continuous carriers |
4 |
11 |
|
Continuous passes |
59 |
65 |
|
Knockdown won |
16 |
9 |
|
The discovery of the ball |
78 |
79 |
Matching Ream in some aspects for the last time, Carlos could guarantee significant game time by completing a move with the aim of improving his numbers. Emery has previously praised the strength in depth of his full-back options, describing Tyrone Mings, Carlos and Ezri Konsa as “amazing”, but looks set to part ways with part of that depth this summer.
The Spaniard told The Express and Star: “I am very happy because Konsa and Mings are playing at a very high level. They are trying to force themselves to play for me.
“It's not easy because playing with your formation and my ideas about football is to avoid high pressure and they are willing to do it. I'm very happy. Diego Carlos will be very important for us. Those three defenders, for me they are amazing.”
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