Lucas Chevalier branded a 'five-a-side' player as PSG warned that new signing can't reach Gianluigi Donnarumma's level by former goalkeeper

The former Italian goalkeeper is surprised that Paris Saint-Germain have decided to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper in Chevalier despite the presence of Donnarumma. Ballotta, a legend of Serie A, claimed that PSG's new acquisition will not be able to reach the level of Donnarumma, stating that they have signed a "five-a-side" player.  

Donnarumma was one of the most crucial figures for PSG en route to the club's historic quadruple achievement in the 2024-25 season, which also included their maiden Champions League triumph. The Italian international, once again, earned a reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the world. Following his heroics, few would have expected Donnarumma's relationship with Les Parisiens to completely collapse. Indeed, the player and the club could not reach an agreement on his contract extension, with the custodian having just one year left on his current deal. In light of the events, PSG decided to sign Chevalier from Lille and are believed to have informed Donnarumma that he would no longer remain the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper moving forward. To make matters worse, Donnarumma was left out of PSG's squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur.  

Speaking in an interview with the Sport Department of Giornale Radio Rai, Ballotta said: "The motivation is unsustainable. Donnarumma is, if not the best in the world, one of the three best goalkeepers. Chevalier may be good with his feet, but I've seen Donnarumma make some decisive saves. Anything goes, but a goalkeeper has to be a goalkeeper. I don't think PSG's new goalkeeper can reach the level of Donnarumma currently.

"Football has copied five-a-side football. In five-a-side football, the goalkeeper is crucial because he's an outfield player and can create numerical superiority. However, I consider it a fad. In a few years, they'll change the way they play and it won't be talked about anymore. And in any case, the evaluation isn't based on who is simply good with their feet; it's not about them having to dribble. It's not about good feet, but about vision. However, this approach neglects more important qualities, such as the ability to come out high. I would have felt comfortable playing in this historical period, but I think a goalkeeper should be a goalkeeper.  

"Repercussions? No, because Gigio has already proven to be mentally strong. For example, he's always known how to react to mistakes. Let's not forget that Donnarumma helped us win a European Championship. Now I don't know how things will end for him in Paris, but I see him as a number one, not a twelfth."

Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Donnarumma will not stay at PSG, adding that an exit, either this summer or next year, is confirmed. The ex-AC Milan goalkeeper has received interest from Manchester United, although no official developments have taken place yet. Moreover, if reports are to be believed, Manchester City have made contact with Donnarumma amid talk of a potential Ederson departure before the end of the window.