Aston Villa will be busy this summer in the transfer market, even if they miss out on Champions League qualification.
As it stands, the club need to win their final game of the campaign and hope for Chelsea, Newcastle United or Man City to suffer a slip-up.
If so, the riches of Europe’s top-tier competition will fill the coffers once again, allowing Unai Emery to sign high-profile players this summer.
Signing a new goalkeeper might be a priority heading into the transfer window, especially with Emiliano Martínez’s future in doubt.
Aston Villa’s search for a new goalkeeper
According to Football Insider, the enigmatic Argentinian is expected to depart Villa Park this summer for a new challenge.
He has been with the club since 2020, turning 33 at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, suggesting Emery is right to cash in now.
As such, this means the club will need a new goalkeeper to take them forward, and according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it appears as though Lucas Chevalier is the preferred candidate.
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The Midlands side have approached the youngster regarding a potential move to the Premier League, although no transfer fee has been reported as yet.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Lille until 2027, which means now is the ideal time for the French club to sell. Will Villa make their move soon? Especially if Martinez is seeking a quick exit.
Why Aston Villa must sign Lucas Chevalier
Martinez may have made over 200 appearances for Villa, but a few mistakes have crept into his game this season. Indeed, he’s made five errors leading to a shot in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.
His mistake against PSG saw Villa exit the Champions League, while he parried a shot directed straight at him by Bernardo Silva into the Villa net during the recent defeat to Man City.
Metric
Ligue 1
Champions League
Goals conceded
36
13
Clean sheets
11
1
Saves per game
2.8
3.2
Goals conceded per game
1.1
1.3
Touches
36.4
39.7
Signing Chevalier could be an upgrade on the former Arsenal keeper, especially when comparing their domestic statistics this season.
Indeed, the Frenchman has conceded fewer goals than Martinez this term (36 vs 45), while also conceding fewer goals per 90 (1.06 vs 1.29), having a higher save percentage (74.6% vs 67.9%) and keeping more clean sheets (11 vs eight) across their respective domestic seasons.
Add in the fact that the current Lille number one is nine years younger than the Argentinian, making a move for him in the coming weeks could be shrewd business by the club.
Following an excellent 2023/24 campaign for the Ligue 1 side where he made 2.8 saves per game and conceded just 32 goals in 33 games, talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished praise on him, saying Chevalier was “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe.”
If Emery manages to lead Villa into the group stages of the Champions League, it will do his chances of landing Chevalier the world of good.
He kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid in the competition earlier this season, proving he has what it takes to star at the highest level. Much will depend on the Frenchman’s price tag, but signing Chevalier must be a priority this summer.
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