Aston Villa open talks to sign Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier

Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks to sign Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier in the summer, according to Sky Sports Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri via Get French Football News.

Villa have considerably punched above their weight under Spanish manager Unai Emery since taking over from Steven Gerrard in 2022, securing three consecutive qualifications for European competition.

In the just-ended campaign, the Villans reached the quarter-finals of their first Champions League campaign in four decades, while going on to secure Europa League football on the final day of the season.

With European football and its demands once again on the agenda, the Claret and Blue have already turned their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window.

Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has been linked with a potential return to Arsenal and the Rich Saudo Pro League this summer.

Lucas Chevalier has made 48 appearances, keeping 13 clean sheets, while conceding 53 goals in all competitions(Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite these links born out of speculations, the club will need to prepare for a replacement should the unforeseen occur – and the Villa Park faithful seem to already have a target in mind.

Get French Football News have reported, via Sky Sports, Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri, that Aston Villa’s sporting director Monchi is “already in talks with Chevalier’s entourage” about a potential transfer.

Aside from a season on loan at Valenciennes, Chevalier, 23, has spent his entire career to date with Lille, debuting for the senior side in 2021.

In the 2024/25 season, the French international has made 48 appearances, keeping 13 clean sheets, while conceding 53 goals in all competitions – the young goalkeeper also recorded 4350 mintes in the process.

Chevalier has enjoyed a strong campaign this season and is regarded as a highly promising goalkeeper, one who is still just in his early 20s.

The Frenchman is expected to cost Villa around £34m, though it has been reported that Villa have not yet made a formal offer, which no doubt depends on whether Martinez leaves the club or not.

Should Martinez depart from Villa Park, Emery’s side would be signing an exceptional replacement who, reportedly, would be open to the move to the Premier League in the summer.