Juventus are reportedly stepping back from their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with the clubs unable to agree on a transfer fee, according to Tuttosport. The Serie A side saw an offer of €5 million rejected by Villa for the Argentinian international, who is valued at €15 million by the Premier League club.
Martinez, 31, has been a key figure for Aston Villa since joining from Arsenal in 2020, playing a pivotal role in their recent success and earning widespread recognition for his performances, including winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022. However, his involvement in the recent World Cup, where Argentina lost in the final, is seen as a potential factor in his current form, with concerns over the physical and emotional toll of the tournament.
Juventus had identified Martinez as a potential replacement in goal, with manager Luciano Spalletti reportedly a supporter of the player. However, concerns within the Juventus hierarchy regarding Martinez’s temperament and whether it aligns with the leadership qualities the club seeks have also contributed to the cooling of interest. While his charisma is acknowledged, some within the club question his occasionally impulsive nature.
With a deal for Martinez appearing unlikely unless Aston Villa significantly lowers their asking price, Juventus are now focusing on alternative options. Kaito Suzuki, currently playing for Belgium’s Sint-Truiden, is considered an ideal profile but comes with a reported price tag of around €35 million. Another target is Guglielmo Vicario, who Tottenham Hotspur may be willing to loan out. A loan deal for Vicario would represent a more financially viable solution for Juventus.
The situation leaves Juventus searching for a reliable goalkeeper ahead of the new season, with the club hoping to secure a deal for either Suzuki or Vicario in the coming weeks. The outcome of these pursuits will be crucial for strengthening their squad and addressing a key position.
