ASTON VILLA MAKE TWO OFFERS FOR MARSEILLE DEFENDER CHANCEL MBEMBA IN AMBITIOUS SUMMER MOVE AS UNAI EMERY TARGETS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-READY REINFORCEMENTS TO BOLSTER DEFENSIVE LINE AHEAD OF 2025 CAMPAIGN…

In a significant early summer development that highlights Aston Villa’s ambitions to cement themselves among Europe’s elite, the Birmingham-based club has reportedly tabled two separate offers for Olympique de Marseille’s highly-rated central defender Chancel Mbemba. The 30-year-old Congolese international has been a standout performer in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons and is now the focus of Villa’s transfer plans as they gear up for their long-awaited UEFA Champions League return.

Sources close to both clubs suggest that Villa, under the guidance of head coach Unai Emery, have identified Mbemba as a pivotal piece to reinforce a backline that at times showed vulnerability during the 2024–25 Premier League campaign, despite a strong fourth-place finish. With Champions League football secured and expectations high at Villa Park, Emery is wasting no time assembling a squad capable of competing both domestically and on the European stage.

Villa’s Ambition Matches Emery’s Vision

Aston Villa’s rise from mid-table mediocrity to a top-four Premier League side has been nothing short of remarkable, driven largely by the tactical intelligence and structure implemented by Emery since his arrival in 2022. The Spanish tactician, a four-time UEFA Europa League winner, has emphasized squad depth and European experience in his recruitment strategy—a profile that Mbemba fits perfectly.

The 30-year-old Congolese defender, who has amassed over 80 caps for DR Congo and played for top European sides including Anderlecht, Newcastle United, FC Porto, and Marseille, offers the blend of physicality, leadership, and continental know-how that Villa’s squad currently lacks at the back. With Tyrone Mings returning from injury, Pau Torres settling in, and Ezri Konsa attracting interest from other clubs, the pursuit of Mbemba appears both strategic and urgent.

Details of the Offers Submitted

According to reliable sources in France and England, Aston Villa made two structured offers to Marseille over the past week. The first offer, reportedly worth €14 million (£12 million), was an upfront fee with minimal add-ons—an initial bid meant to test the waters. Marseille swiftly rejected it, citing both the player’s importance and the interest he’s attracting from other European sides, including clubs in Italy and Germany.

Unfazed, Villa returned with a second offer of €18 million (£15.4 million), which included performance-based incentives and a Champions League appearance clause. This revised bid is understood to be closer to Marseille’s valuation, with internal discussions ongoing at the French club as they consider whether to cash in on their veteran defender—who has just one year left on his contract.

Marseille, facing financial constraints after a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that saw them miss out on European football, may find it difficult to refuse such a substantial fee for a player approaching his contract’s expiration.

Mbemba’s Impressive Résumé Appeals to Emery

Mbemba’s career trajectory underscores his suitability for Villa’s new competitive landscape. He joined Marseille in 2022 on a free transfer after a successful spell at FC Porto and quickly became a cornerstone of Igor Tudor’s side. Known for his composure under pressure, aerial dominance, and versatility across the backline, Mbemba has been widely praised for his consistency and work ethic.

In the 2023–24 Ligue 1 season, Mbemba made 34 league appearances, registering two goals, an 89% passing accuracy, and a league-high for successful clearances among central defenders. His leadership was evident both on and off the pitch, with reports emerging of his mentoring role within Marseille’s relatively young squad.

Moreover, Mbemba has participated in over 40 European fixtures, including UEFA Champions League group stages with both Porto and Marseille—experience that Villa desperately need as they prepare to navigate continental waters they haven’t sailed since the early 1980s.

Marseille’s Internal Debate: Cash In or Keep a Leader?

Marseille’s sporting director Pablo Longoria is reportedly torn over the decision to sell Mbemba. On one hand, the club desperately needs funds to reinvest in the squad after a dismal season that culminated in a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish. On the other, Mbemba’s leadership and consistency have been vital, especially as the club prepares for another managerial change after Jean-Louis Gasset’s interim spell ended.

With Mbemba’s contract set to expire in June 2026, there is some breathing room, but Marseille are aware that this summer may be their last chance to command a substantial fee. Additionally, the player’s wages—among the highest at the club—are becoming increasingly difficult to justify without European football.

There is also speculation that Mbemba himself is open to a new challenge, especially one that includes Champions League football and a return to the Premier League—a league he departed in 2018 after three years with Newcastle United.

Mbemba’s Premier League Past: Unfinished Business?

Mbemba’s stint with Newcastle was a mixed bag, mostly due to managerial instability and limited opportunities. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, the Congolese defender made just 59 appearances over three seasons before moving to Porto. Now more mature and consistent, Mbemba may view a return to England as a chance to prove himself at the highest level.

Sources close to the player suggest that Unai Emery’s personal involvement in the negotiations has been a key factor. The Spaniard reportedly held direct talks with Mbemba’s representatives, outlining his tactical plans and the role he envisions for the veteran at Villa Park. Mbemba is said to be “excited” by the opportunity and believes Emery’s style could bring out the best in him.

Fan Reaction and the Bigger Picture at Villa Park

News of the potential signing has sparked mixed but mostly positive reactions from the Villa faithful. While some fans expressed concerns about the defender’s age and long-term value, the majority see the move as a statement of intent from the club.

Fan forums and social media have been abuzz with speculation and excitement, particularly given Villa’s recent investments in youth and attack. With Mbemba potentially joining a defensive unit already boasting talents like Diego Carlos, Konsa, Torres, and Matty Cash, Villa appear focused on building a squad with both depth and versatility.

Villa legend Paul McGrath, speaking to local media, praised the potential signing: “Mbemba has the experience, the strength, and the character you need when you’re taking on Europe’s best. I think he could be a brilliant addition to the team.”

Unai Emery’s Broader Transfer Plan

Mbemba is unlikely to be Villa’s only summer signing. Reports indicate that Emery is also targeting a left-footed midfielder, a backup striker, and a goalkeeper to challenge Emiliano Martínez. The club is operating under a controlled budget due to Premier League profitability and sustainability rules, but Champions League qualification has given them breathing room to stretch financially in key areas.

Villa’s technical director Monchi, who joined last year from Sevilla, is believed to be orchestrating a surgical transfer strategy—focusing on experienced European performers rather than expensive marquee names.

Mbemba, in this context, fits the mold: a proven defender, affordable in terms of transfer fee, and instantly ready to perform at the highest level.

What’s Next in the Mbemba Saga?

With Villa’s second offer still on the table, the next steps hinge on Marseille’s response. Should the French side accept, personal terms are expected to be agreed quickly, with Mbemba’s representatives already in London this week for informal talks.

There is also speculation that other clubs—including Serie A giants AS Roma and Bundesliga contenders RB Leipzig—are monitoring the situation. However, Villa’s early and aggressive approach gives them an advantage.

Should the deal be finalized, Villa could announce Mbemba as their first signing of the 2025 summer window, potentially even before the pre-season camp in July. This would allow the Congolese international to acclimate to Emery’s system and bond with teammates ahead of a grueling schedule that includes midweek European matches.

Conclusion: A Bold but Calculated Gamble

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Chancel Mbemba is not just about plugging a gap in defense; it is a symbol of intent, a message to rivals and fans alike that the club means business on the European stage. In many ways, it’s also a bet on experience over youth, leadership over flair, and consistency over potential.

In the ever-competitive world of Premier League football—especially for clubs outside the traditional “Big Six”—such moves can be the difference between a group stage exit and a deep run, or between a top-four finish and a sixth-place heartbreak.

If the deal goes through, Unai Emery and Aston Villa will hope that Mbemba becomes not just another signing, but a foundational pillar in their Champions League journey—one forged in the cauldron of Ligue 1, matured in the battles of the Primeira Liga, and now ready to write a new chapter at Villa Park.