Aston Villa now open talks to sign “excellent” UCL star

With a big summer ahead, Aston Villa have reportedly made their first approach and opened talks to sign an impressive Champions League star in the event that Emiliano Martinez departs.

Emi Martinez could leave Aston Villa

As Aston Villa look to comply with profit and sustainability rules, one player they may sacrifice is Martinez. The talented shot-stopper seemed to be saying his goodbyes to Villa Park last Friday in Unai Emery’s side’s final home game of the season. Clearly emotional in what could have been his final farewell, the rumours around the Argentine’s future have been coming thick and fast ever since.

Martinez has instantly become a wanted man in the transfer market, with reports indicating that Barcelona, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are all interested in his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

Villa will, of course, be keen to avoid selling to a rival club which may well open the door for both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to come swooping in. Meanwhile, those in the Midlands will need to find themselves a new No.1.

To that end, a number of names have already threatened to steal the headlines. The main name mentioned has so far been Joan Garcia. The Espanyol goalkeeper has enjoyed an excellent season in La Liga and now looks destined for the Premier League.

Whether Villa decide to go all out for his signature remains to be seen, however. Instead, amid fresh reports, sporting director Monchi could choose to sign a Champions League star who is full of potential.

Aston Villa open Chevalier talks

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Monchi has now opened talks to sign Lucas Chevalier from LOSC Lille for Aston Villa in the event that Martinez departs this summer. Having made their first approach, Villa will be hoping to sign one of the most talented young goalkeepers that European football has to offer and instantly ease their Martinez concerns in the process.

Outperforming Martinez in several departments, it could even be argued that Aston Villa would be landing an impressive upgrade by signing Chevalier this summer. At just 23 years old, the Lille shot-stopper still has his best years to come too, which could yet take place in the Midlands.

Unsurprisingly earning a lot of praise over the last year, scout Jacek Kulig described Chevalier as an “excellent young goalkeeper” back in March as he continued a solid campaign in Ligue 1.

As Martinez potentially heads for the exit door, Aston Villa should go all out to sign the Chevalier in this summer’s transfer window, with all signs pointing towards the very top for the Lille star.