Winner of the Champions League Paris Saint-Germain signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille on a five-year contract on Saturday, in the midst of increasing uncertainty about the future of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the club.
The transfer costs have not been announced, but French sport every day The team reported that PSG paid a little more than 40 million euros ($ 46.5 million) for the 23-year-old Chevalier, with the deal possibly rising to 55 million euros in the event of future bonuses.
Chevalier was impressed by Lille in the Champions League last season. He attracted the attention with great performances against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, where he made a stunning salvation from Dušan Vlahovic who even applauded the Juve striker.
«I am a child who lives his dream. Since I was small, I wanted to play at the very first level,» said Chevalier.
«I am really happy to be here. I will wear this shirt with passion and ambition,» he added.
Chevalier came through Lille’s reputed youth academy and played 127 games for the Northern Club. He is very strong and agile when he comes from his line and has great expectations, although he does not always look certainly when dealing with crosses and corners.
Read also | Darwin Nunez joins Saudi Club Al Hilal from Liverpool
His arrival could indicate to the departure of Donnarumma, where the 26-year-old Italy is unlikely that the number 2 behind Chevalier is if coach Luis Enrique decides.
Donnarumma was perhaps the best goalkeeper in Europe last season and played a key role in PSG’s Champions League success with inspired Shot-Stop in the knockout phases.
But with another year left on his contract, he has so far refused to sign a new contract and it is unlikely that PSG will leave him for free at the end of the season, after he has already experienced the same situation with Kylian Mbappé.
PSG is already well filled with three backup keepers: Matvei Safonov, Arnau tenas and the 19-year-old Renato Martin.
Five goalkeepers can be problematic to manage, so at least one, and probably two, have to leave during the summer transfer window.
Donnarumma was in a similar position as a Chevalier when he came to the club after he helped Italy to win the European championship in 2021. He replaced Keylor Navas as number 1, although Navas had been excellent for PSG the previous season.
PSG starts his competition campaign at Nantes on August 17.
