Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin this summer, according to reports from Ekrem Konur. Manager Unai Emery is seeking to strengthen his squad ahead of their Champions League campaign following a fourth-place finish in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The club is prepared to make an initial offer of €25 million (£21.5m) for the 20-year-old defender, who is currently under contract with Real Sociedad until 2031. However, Sociedad are unlikely to accept anything less than €50 million (£43m) for the player.
Martin has already made 50 appearances for Real Sociedad, demonstrating his potential despite his young age. Villa believe they could offer him more consistent first-team opportunities than he currently receives in Spain. The club is also monitoring other defensive options, with speculation surrounding the future of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and reported interest in Manchester City’s James Trafford.
Competition for Martin’s signature is expected to be fierce, with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid all monitoring his progress. Arsenal are also said to be interested, though Villa’s ability to guarantee regular playing time could prove to be a significant advantage. Interest from the Spanish clubs represents the biggest challenge to any potential deal.
While Villa may need to increase their initial offer to secure Martin’s services, it is unlikely they will reach Sociedad’s valuation of €50 million. The potential acquisition of Martin would add depth and quality to Villa’s central defence, providing Emery with more options as they prepare for a demanding season balancing domestic and European commitments.
