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Unai Emery says Aston Villa are working hard to sign a replacement for Diego Carlos before the window closes.
The Brazilian defender joined Fenerbahce for a reported £8.5m earlier this week, leaving Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings as Villa’s only two fit centre-backs, while Pau Torres remains with a foot injury.
Emery is looking to add another centre-back before Monday’s deadline, with the club reportedly in talks to sign Sevilla’s Loic Bade.
“We are open to trying to improve the squad until the last minute and we are also open in case someone leaves,” he said ahead of Sunday’s game at West Ham.
“Of course, Diego Carlos left in the last week, and we have to replace him, and of course we also focus on which players could be potential players to replace Diego Carlos.”
New villa signing Garcia “good opportunity”
Villa recently signed 21-year-old right-back Andres Garcia, with the Spaniard becoming their second January signing following the arrival of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
On Garcia, Emery said: “He is a real full, potential, young player. He progressed so fast, and I knew him before. I know what he is like as a person.
“We decided to sign him because we thought it was a good opportunity, right now, a really good opportunity, as he is progressing so quickly in his career.
“And of course, as a potential young player, we are not rushing him.
“We hope to make quick progress with Andres Garcia in his adaptation and how he can understand everyone in the Premier League about the level we have.”
Fairy injury news: McGinn is back
Unai Emery has provided the latest fitness updates on four of our first team players ⤵️
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOFFICIAL) January 24, 2025
Emery has confirmed captain John McGinn will be available for Sunday’s home game at Villa Park after three games with a knee injury.
“John McGinn is starting to train with the group, he’s working with us,” Emery said.
“(Amadou) Onana still works alone.
“Ross Barkley is still not available and Pau (Torres) will need more time to try to be close with us.”
