- Aston Villa are reportedly targeting both Lucas Chevalier and Ibrahim Mbaye this summer
- Mbaye has been a long-term target for Villa and discussion have taken place with his representatives in recent weeks
- Meanwhile, Chevalier was of interest to Villa last summer as a replacement for Emi Martínez
Aston Villa are plotting a double raid for PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and rising star Ibrahim Mbaye. It comes as part of Unai Emery’s demands to build a squad capable of sustaining their success from the last few seasons.
Villa are navigating one of the most critical summer transfer windows in their recent history. Manager Unai Emery understands that maintaining a seat at Europe’s top table requires continuous injection of high-calibre talent.
Rather than looking for squad depth, the club’s hierarchy are setting their sights on the continent’s most glittering stages to recruit the next wave of Villa stars.
According to a report on the social media platform X from French Journalist RomainCG75, the Villans have put together an ambitious double raid on newly crowned European champions PSG for duo Lucas Chevalier and Ibrahim Mbaye.
While Villa have already held discussions with one of their targets, the club have added Chevalier to their goalkeeper shortlist to replace Emi Martínez should he leave this summer.
Chevalier – The new number one?
The 24-year-old goalkeeper arrived at the Parc des Princes with a stellar reputation, but frustration has filled his debut campaign under Luis Enrique. Despite PSG lifting the Champions League trophy against Arsenal last week, Chevalier has lost his guaranteed starting spot.
Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has seemingly convinced PSG’s coaching staff to give him the permanent No 1 next season, effectively relegating Chevalier to the bench.
This lack of gametime cost Chevalier a spot in France’s World Cup squad, prompting the player to look for a swift exit.
For Emery, targeting a keeper of Chevalier’s calibre hints at significant planning behind the scenes. Current Villa number one, Martínez, has been heavily linked with a move away, and rumours are resurfacing that the 33-year-old could finally depart.
Interestingly, this is not a new admiration. Villa maintained an interest in signing Chevalier last summer from Lille as their priority replacement if Martínez had left.
With Chevalier now looking for a fresh start, Villa’s interest aligns with a potential changing of the guard between the sticks.
Mbaye deal advancing
While Chevalier remains a highly sought-after shortlist target, Villa’s pursuit of his teenage teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, is much further down the line. Reports indicate that Villa are close to finalising terms with the 18-year-old winger.
The Senegal international made waves by breaking records as PSG’s youngest-ever starting player. However, sitting behind superstar forwards like Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé has limited his minutes. Keen on regular first-team football, Mbaye is prepared to swap Paris for Birmingham in a deal expected to cost Villa between £40-50 million.
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Ultimately, this ambitious double raid signals Villa’s intent to firmly cement their place among Europe’s elite.
While Chevalier’s debut campaign at PSG was filled with frustration and a lost starting spot, the 24-year-old remains talented. He would no doubt make an ideal long-term option to replace Martínez should the Argentine depart this summer.
Complemented by the potential arrival of the explosive Mbaye, Emery is successfully building a formidable, future-proof squad perfectly equipped to sustain Villa’s ascent to the top of the Premier League and Europe.
