Bournemouth door opens as Aston Villa eye intriguing swoop for £34m Real Madrid star
The latest transfer news, as a progressing Aston Villa story opens the door for Bournemouth to swoop in for a target.
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin this summer as they eye a potential change of guard between the sticks.
Two-time Yashin Trophy winner Emiliano Martinez has been out of form for much of this season and has recently been linked with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League. The speculation hasn’t gone down particularly well with supporters as they know the immense capability of the World Cup winner, who has often been labelled ‘the world’s number one’ thanks to his global achievements. Nonetheless, it’s a possibility that Martinez could depart.
Lunin, who was a regular starter for Madrid last season and at the beginning of this one due to an injury to number one Thibaut Courtois, could be an option to replace Martinez at Villa Park. The 15-time Ukraine international has made 43 appearances across all competitions in the last two seasons, conceding 51 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets.
At 26 years of age, Lunin is only just entering his prime and he has already shown signs of top talent. One appearance - against Man City in the Champions League quarter-finals last April - really stood out as he made eight saves. Even with Courtois back in time for the final, many Madrid supporters were urging Carlo Ancelotti to start Lunin instead as he had made such a strong impression.
Lunin didn’t play in the final in the end, however, and Courtois returned to the starting XI. The Ukrainian has been the backup for much of this campaign, too, with just 12 appearances made. There’s a growing feeling that Lunin has outgrown being a second-choice goalkeeper, so he could make a transfer away from the Santiago Bernabeu before long.
Villa, considering many goalkeepers in case a huge offer arrives for Martinez, could turn to Lunin. A report cited by the Birmingham Mail suggests Villa are interested in the Madrid shot-stopper and have added him to their shortlist. Lunin could be available for around €40 million (£33m), as per previous reports.
Aston Villa’s Lunin swoop could open door for Bournemouth
If Villa do indeed try to sign Lunin, AFC Bournemouth would be thankful as the Cherries are interested in bringing in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The Villans have got Garcia on their goalkeeper shortlist, so if they were to ignore the Espanyol man in favour of Lunin, it would reduce the number of clubs Bournemouth have to beat to clinch his signature.
That said, Andoni Iraola’s side would still face very stiff competition as Madrid are one of the teams interested, and as are Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. It would be a level playing field in regards to the initial finances of any potential deal, at least, as Garcia has a £20 million release clause. The salaries offered by the big dogs could overthrow Bournemouth, but it’s worth a try.