Aston Villa and Chelsea are interested in signing 18-year-old French defensive sensation Kyllian Antonio from RC Lens.
According to a report by German outlet Fussball News, Kyllian Antonio is also the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League holders have been pursuing the teenager for a long time, with Les Parisiens failing to secure his services before he moved to RC Lens in July 2023, alongside Stade Rennais and Saint-Etienne.
Per Fussball News, Antonio’s prospective suitors will hope to begin negotiations with RC Lens with bids worth around €20 million. However, the Ligue 1 outfit will demand around €30 million to part ways with the Frenchman.
Who is Kyllian Antonio?
Kyllian Antonio is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, the 18-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in France, passing through the academies at Champigny FC 94 and US Torcy before joining RC Lens three years ago. Since then, the teenager has rapidly risen through the ranks at the Ligue 1 club.
The French defender made his senior bow for RC Lens last season, making seven appearances while providing one assist. However, Antonio is now a regular for the senior side, having accumulated nearly 1,000 minutes of game time in 12 outings. Meanwhile, his progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Aston Villa’s interest in Kyllian Antonio makes sense, as Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof are on the wrong side of 30. While the West Midlands club signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the summer, they need to replace the ageing duo mentioned above, with several candidates, including Ruud Nijstad, emerging as targets. Antonio’s age profile aligns with the career trajectories of Lindelof and Mings, allowing him to learn the ropes from the experienced duo before becoming a regular.
As for Chelsea, Xabi Alonso has a crowded central defensive unit in his squad. Additionally, Honest Ahanor will arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer. However, Wesley Fofana has been inconsistent since recovering from his persistent fitness issues, leading Chelsea to pursue a centre-back who can be an upgrade at the back. Having compatriot Maxence Lacroix at the West London club would allow the young Frenchman to settle down if he joins Chelsea.
