Aston Villa is reportedly showing interest in Marcin Bulka, the former Chelsea goalkeeper who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Villa faces a potential goalkeeper shortage. Robin Olsen is expected to leave after June, and long-serving first-choice Emiliano Martinez has been the subject of transfer speculation involving multiple clubs. Reports suggest a high probability of Martinez`s departure this summer, with several teams reportedly interested in signing him.
Selling Martinez could assist Aston Villa with financial fair play (PSR) requirements. The club is actively searching the market for a new goalkeeper to support manager Unai Emery.
Nice`s Bulka is reportedly a target on the Birmingham-based club`s transfer list. Bulka developed in the Chelsea academy and also had a spell at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Nice in 2022.
The 25-year-old Polish international was Nice`s regular keeper this season. His previous time at Chelsea suggests he could adapt quickly to English football.
However, Aston Villa isn`t the only club interested in the Polish keeper. Turkish champions Galatasaray approached Bulka earlier this week, but the player reportedly turned down their offer.
Bulka`s contract with Nice expires in a year. The French club is reportedly asking for a fee between €12m and €15m for his transfer. AC Milan is also linked with Bulka, but their absence from European competition next season might hinder their chances of signing the Nice player this summer.
It`s also been suggested that Aston Villa is considering another Ligue 1 keeper, Lucas Chevalier from Lille, as they explore goalkeeper options.
