‘Bid prepared’ – Aston Villa make first move to sign £40m Man City target as Unai Emery plan kicks into action
Aston Villa Make First Move for Lille Star Lucas Chevalier Amid Martinez Exit Talks
Aston Villa have reportedly taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of highly-rated LOSC Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, having made an official approach for the 22-year-old Frenchman. With current number one Emiliano Martinez increasingly linked with a summer departure from Villa Park, manager Unai Emery has given the green light to move forward with plans to secure a long-term replacement — and Chevalier is firmly at the top of the club’s shortlist.
Chevalier has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young goalkeepers after a stellar 2023/24 campaign in Ligue 1, where his consistently impressive performances earned him the prestigious Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Season award. The Lille shot-stopper kept 11 clean sheets — second only to Stade Rennais’ Brice Samba — and was one of just five players to be ever-present in all 34 league matches.
According to reputable French journalist Julien Laurens, Aston Villa are now ramping up their interest and have initiated formal talks with Lille. The West Midlands outfit are believed to be preparing a substantial £40 million offer in an attempt to fend off competition from several Premier League giants, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and treble winners Manchester City.
City, in particular, are monitoring Chevalier closely as speculation grows around the future of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who is being targeted by clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Should Ederson depart, Pep Guardiola’s side may enter the race for Chevalier, though they are not expected to make an official bid unless the Brazilian exits the Etihad.
Villa, keen not to be left behind in the queue, are pushing to establish a firm footing in negotiations ahead of potential rivals. However, finalizing a transfer before the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline on June 30 presents a logistical challenge. The Villans may need to prioritise player sales — including a potential high-profile exit for Martinez — before making a concrete offer.
Despite financial obstacles, the allure of Chevalier is hard to ignore. At just 22, he already boasts significant top-flight experience, having been Lille’s first-choice goalkeeper for three consecutive Ligue 1 seasons. In that time, he has made 127 appearances, conceding exactly one goal per game and registering an impressive 44 clean sheets.
Chevalier also posted one of the highest save percentages in the French top flight last season (72.7%), ranking behind only Marcin Bulka, Djordje Petrovic, and Yehvann Diouf. For a goalkeeper still relatively early in his career, his statistical output demonstrates both consistency and potential for further development.
From a personal perspective, the transfer would mark the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition for Chevalier. The France U-21 international has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League, which he regards as the most exciting league in world football. Speaking last month, Chevalier told Sport Witness:
> “The Premier League? It’s a league that makes you dream, the most attractive. When you see Tottenham and Manchester United struggling with crazy players, you can see the level a bit. I haven’t had any specific offers from this country, but it makes you think.”
The move to Villa would also offer a personal connection, as Chevalier is known to be good friends with French compatriot and Villa left-back Lucas Digne. The presence of a familiar face could help smooth his transition to English football, should the deal progress.
However, with Chevalier valued at around £40 million, Aston Villa will need to carefully balance their books. Selling Martinez alone may not be sufficient, meaning further player exits could be required to comply with PSR regulations. Nonetheless, the club is keen to lay the groundwork early, recognizing that delays could allow rival clubs to hijack the deal.
In what promises to be a competitive transfer saga, Aston Villa have positioned themselves as serious contenders for one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers — and the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Chevalier Calls Villa Park his new home.