In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to hijack Newcastle United's pursuit of Inter Milan defender Carlos Augusto. The Brazilian left-back, valued at around £26 million, has emerged as a key target for both Premier League clubs, setting the stage for a fierce battle off the pitch.
Villa's Strategic Move Amidst Season Success
Aston Villa have defied expectations this Premier League season, maintaining faint title hopes under manager Unai Emery despite a recent nine-point gap to leaders Arsenal. This impressive campaign follows a challenging summer transfer window, where the club struggled to secure top targets and faced speculation over key players like Emiliano Martinez. With focus now on the Europa League and FA Cup, Villa are wisely planning early for the summer to avoid past pitfalls and strengthen their squad effectively.
Carlos Augusto: The Coveted Target
According to reports from TEAMtalk and Italian source L'Interista, Aston Villa are set to jump in and challenge Newcastle for the signature of Carlos Augusto. The 27-year-old Inter Milan left-back has attracted long-standing interest from Newcastle, but Villa's internal view of left-back as a position needing reinforcement—partly due to recent criticism of Lucas Digne—has spurred their involvement. Augusto, with a contract until 2028, is described as unsellable by Inter, but the financial allure of the Premier League could prove decisive, especially if Villa achieve Champions League qualification.
Obstacles and Opportunities in the Transfer Race
The path to signing Augusto is not without hurdles. Inter Milan and head coach Cristian Chivu are said to highly value the versatile defender, with reports suggesting they worship him and consider him unsellable. Additionally, talks of a contract extension at Inter could quash any move to England. However, Augusto's limited starts in Serie A this season—only ten league appearances amid competition from Federico Dimarco—might make him receptive to a new challenge. His record of two goals and two assists in 28 total appearances highlights his potential impact.
As the summer approaches, Aston Villa will need to navigate these complexities if they formalise their hijack attempt. With both clubs eager to bolster their defences, this transfer saga promises to be a highlight of the off-season, underscoring the intense rivalry and strategic planning in modern football.
