Aston Villa manager Unai Emeryplaceholder image
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery | Getty Images
Aston Villa are being linked with a move for a new goalkeeper ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season
Aston Villa hold ‘concrete interest’ in AS Monaco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch, according to Africa Foot. They are being linked with a move for the stopper ahead of the summer transfer window. Fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth have also been mentioned as a potential suitor.
Unai Emery’s men are back in action this weekend against Leeds United at home. They lost 3-1 against Newcastle United at Villa Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup last time out. Tammy Abraham got their goal against the Magpies.
Aston Villa target AS Monaco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch
Aston Villa could see Benchaouch as someone to boost their goalkeeping department. If he joined, he would add more competition and depth to their options between the sticks. Their current two senior options are Emi Martinez and Marco Bizot. The latter was sent off against Newcastle last weekend.
Benchaouch, 19, has been on the books at Monaco since joining them back in 2021. He has since risen up through their academy and has been a regular at various different youth levels. The teenager is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Ligue 1 club though, despite catching the eye for their U21s over recent times.
A switch to England may well be on the cards if either Aston Villa or Bournemouth are able to lure him away from France. If he linked up with Emery’s side, he would be unlikely to get senior game time initially due to competition for his position. He could be a useful long-term option though.
Aston Villa prepare for Leeds United clash
Aston Villa are hoping to return to winning ways against Leeds. Speaking ahead of the match, Jadon Sancho has said: “The camp is excited. We can’t wait to be in front of our fans again. I love playing in front of the home fans. They get behind us a lot, and they support us to the end.
“We’ve got a big game against Leeds coming up, so we’re looking forward to it. Again, another tough opponent, but again, if we stick to our gameplan (and) play how we play, I’m sure we can get another result.”
Sancho added: "Being third in the Premier League, it’s not a bad position to be in. I think the team, from where we began to where we are now, is an amazing job, but again, (the) job’s not finished, so we’ve got to carry on each game.”
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