Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa is embarking on an ambitious summer transfer window, reportedly circling several players from top European clubs as they prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. The club's proactive approach follows a highly successful 2025/26 campaign, which saw them finish fourth in the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League with 65 points and secure their first major title since 1996 by winning the UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League.
Among the key targets is Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas ChevalierPlayer·Lucas Chevalier, a Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League winner. Chevalier, who is under contract with PSG until 2030, is reportedly valued at approximately £48 million. Villa's interest in the French shot-stopper is closely linked to the potential departure of their current number one, Emiliano MartinezPlayer·Emiliano Martinez, who is understood to be open to a new challenge. Chevalier's performance in the 2025/26 season included a save percentage of 71.7% and a penalty-save rate of 33.3%, alongside an impressive passing accuracy of 87.7%.
Another significant target for Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa is Martin BaturinaPlayer·Martin Baturina, a forward from Serie ACompetition·Serie A side ComoTeam·Como. ComoTeam·Como, having surprisingly qualified for the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League, has reportedly rejected an initial offer from Villa ranging between €50 million (£43.2 million) and €55 million (£47.5 million). ComoTeam·Como values the Croatia international at around €80 million (£69 million) and has expressed little desire to sell key players ahead of their own Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League debut. Baturina was a standout performer for ComoTeam·Como, contributing six goals and three assists in Serie ACompetition·Serie A during the 2025/26 season.
Further strengthening efforts include reports that Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa is nearing a deal for Ibrahim MbayePlayer·Ibrahim Mbaye, a versatile Senegal international winger also from Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain. Mbaye, who registered three goals and two assists in limited starts for PSG, is reportedly seeking more regular first-team opportunities.
Despite their recent success and the financial boost from Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification, Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa operates under the constraints of UEFA's Squad Cost Rules (SCR). These regulations limit spending relative to club revenue, meaning that player sales could be a necessary component of their transfer strategy. The potential sale of players like Emiliano MartinezPlayer·Emiliano Martinez, or even Morgan RogersPlayer·Morgan Rogers, could provide the necessary funds to facilitate these high-profile acquisitions and allow the club to continue building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
The French national football team poses at the FFF training center in Clairefontaine, France. Photo: Bestimage/IMAGO
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