‘Aston Villa must move quick to sign new Martinez’ amid transfer priority update
Aston Villa look destined to part ways with Emi Martinez this summer.
The Argentina international has been central to a wide array of rumours in B6 despite the early stage of the transfer window.
After being sent off on the final day, a week after crying on the pitch at Villa Park, a departure does feel increasingly likely before the new season begins.
It will now be the job of Monchi and Co. to find an alternative, but any search must now take a step up or avoid landing a first-choice option.
Martinez replacement deal in jeopardy at Aston Villa
It will be no easy task to replace the 32-year-old, given how important he has been for both club and country for the past five years.
With Martinez seemingly on his way to Manchester United, Villa have to find a readymade replacement or risk a drop off next campaign.
This could prove to be a perfect opportunity for the Villans to sign Lucas Chevalier from Lille, who could represent a long-term alternative.
The 23-year-old profiles similarly to the Argentine as both rank highly for their save percentages and post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed, in particular.
| Stat | Emi Martinez | Lucas Chevalier |
| Post shot xG – Goals allowed | +0.09 | +0.22 |
| Goals against | 1.20 | 1.11 |
| Save percentage (%) | 72.1 | 74.9 |
With the Frenchman’s stats reflecting well on his ability, it is little surprise to learn that PSG are showcasing an interest in his signature [La Voix Dunord, 18 June].
The Champions League winners have made the shot-stopper one of their transfer priorities for the summer, especially if Gianluigi Donnarumma departs.
With that in mind, Villa have to move extremely quickly to make sure they get the man they want in between the sticks this summer.
Aston Villa must move quickly for Chevalier
At the earlier stages of the summer, many felt as if Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia represented the best option for the Villans.
Now that the Spaniard has made the short trip to join Barcelona, other alternatives have to be assessed by Unai Emery and his staff.
Chevalier would certainly represent a best-case option as it stands, given his age and superb level of experience in the game.
As a direct replacement for Martinez, Villa could strike gold with the Lille man if they are able to land him ahead of PSG.