Aston Villa has firmly positioned itself to secure the signature of the promising Moroccan goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch, having submitted a substantial offer to AS Monaco in anticipation of the upcoming summer transfer window. Initially reported by AfricaFoot, the Midlands club has escalated its interest into proactive measures, demonstrating their commitment to acquiring the talented player.
In a bold maneuver to facilitate negotiations with Monaco, where Benchaouch has opted against signing a professional contract, Villa has proposed a five-year contract that includes a lucrative net annual salary of €850,000. To further smoothen the path for a successful transfer, the club has incorporated a significant future sell-on clause, aiming to preempt any protracted disputes regarding training compensation.
While Unai Emery’s squad is making strides in the European football scene, they are concurrently facing formidable financial competition from Qatari club Al Gharafa, which has presented an enticing package worth $1.2 million per year, along with an annual signing bonus of $300,000. The battle for the 19-year-old goalkeeper is intensifying, as he has garnered interest from a remarkable ten clubs. Premier League rivals Bournemouth are still pursuing him after an unsuccessful bid during the winter transfer window, while Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan, Modena, and Monza are also closely monitoring his situation. Interest is not limited to Italy; clubs from the Eredivisie, the Belgian Pro League, and Spain’s La Liga have also expressed their desire to secure his services.
Benchaouch, widely regarded as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in French football, has rapidly ascended through the ranks at AS Monaco. Despite his young age, he has consistently showcased his abilities in both the U19 and “Groupe Élite” teams, earning accolades for his remarkable reflexes and modern distribution skills. Although born in France, he has chosen to represent Morocco on the international stage, already earning caps for the Moroccan U20 national team.
His decision to decline a professional contract in Monaco has positioned him as one of the most coveted free agents in Europe, especially as FIFA regulations now permit him to negotiate a pre-contract with any club outside of France. With Aston Villa currently performing well in the Premier League, the prospects of joining them are considerably more appealing compared to other clubs vying for his signature.
As reported by yardbarker.com.
