Unai Emery has found a replacement for Emiliano Martinez! The world’s best young goalkeeper is on his way to Aston Villa

Aston Villa have secured the world’s best young goalkeeper to replace Emiliano Martinez when the World Cup winner is sold in this transfer window.

Martinez is expected to leave Villa this summer after five years at the club. The decision to let the 32-year-old leave comes after a challenging season in which he has not been at his best.

Read: Manchester United step up their hunt for World Cup winning goalkeeper

The World Cup winner has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United and teams in the Saudi Arabian professional league.

Lucas Chevalier – Villa’s new first choice

While it would be a disappointment to lose a popular player, Unai Emery has found an exceptionally talented replacement.

According to Sky Sport, Aston Villa have put the spotlight on Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, 23, as Martinez’s successor. Chevalier was named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year ahead of PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma – a feat that underlines his quality.

No transfer fee has been mentioned, but Manchester United considered a deal of around €40 million for Chevalier in March. Barcelona have also shown interest in the French U21 national team goalkeeper.

How good is Lucas Chevalier?

According to SciSports, which ranks players based on thousands of data points from matches, Chevalier is the best goalkeeper in the world under the age of 23.

Read: Decided on Liverpool months ago

The Lille goalkeeper, who has Champions League experience this season and impressed against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, ranked ahead of Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

Like Martinez, Chevalier is a confident and eccentric goalkeeper who excels in saves and situational management. Throughout the season, he was worth more than six goals for Lille, who narrowly lost a Champions League place in Ligue 1.

Best U23 goalkeepers (SciSports)

Now what?

If the transfer goes through, Chevalier will be a key signing for Aston Villa. His ability to make quick saves and play forward fits perfectly with Unai Emery’s style of play.

This could quickly become one of the smartest purchases of the summer.