Aston Villa make quick approach after Emi Martinez exit bombshell
Aston Villa brutally missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the season after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, and will have a few difficult decisions to make.
Unai Emery’s side fell to a controversial defeat as Villa were beaten at Old Trafford, with Morgan Rogers seeing a goal wrongfully ruled out just before Amad Diallo scored for the hosts.
Aston Villa ended the season in sixth place, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season, and will not benefit from the financial windfall of competing in the Champions League again.
This could mean they need to make sales, and Emi Martinez is said to have confirmed his impending exit, with a replacement already lined up.
Aston Villa target Lucas Chevalier to replace Martinez
Martinez was sent off in the first half of Villa’s defeat to Man United, and this may have been his final game as he appears on the verge of leaving this summer.
The 32-year-old has had an inconsistent season after years of excellence, and selling him for a profit while signing a younger replacement would make a lot of sense for Villa.
| Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 37 | 45 | 9 |
Sacha Tavolieri has reported for Sky Sports (26 May) that Villa have already initiated contact over a replacement for Martinez, in Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
It is shared that discussions are underway between Monchi and the goalkeeper’s agents, and the 23-year-old could be signed for around £33million.
Chevalier keen on Aston Villa move
Chevalier is regarded as the best goalkeeper in France, and at 23, he has a bright long-term future ahead at the very top.
It is also reported that despite missing out on Champions League football, Chevalier is very keen on a move to Villa, and is eager to link up with former teammate Lucas Digne.
If Martinez can be sold for a profit, then signing Chevalier as an immediate and long-term replacement is a no-brainer for Aston Villa, and moving quickly for him now would mean that they can beat off competition for his signature.
Chevalier kept 11 clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season, and if he fulfils his potential, he could become a starter for both Villa and France for years to come.