Juventus are in advanced negotiations to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports from Italy. Representatives from the Turin club met with Vlado Lemic, the intermediary representing Martinez, in Milan to discuss a potential transfer.
Initial discussions have reportedly yielded a total agreement on personal terms, with Martinez said to be willing to sign a three-year contract with an annual salary of €5 million plus bonuses. The Argentina international is reportedly attracted by the project presented by Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, even if it means a reduction in his current wage and foregoing Champions League football.
Martinez has indicated his desire for a new challenge in European football, viewing a move to Juventus as a final opportunity to compete at the highest level before potentially considering options in Saudi Arabia. The 31-year-old has been a key figure for Aston Villa since joining from Arsenal in 2020, playing a pivotal role in their recent successes.
However, Aston Villa are proving to be a significant obstacle, demanding a transfer fee of at least €10 million for Martinez. The club are reportedly not actively seeking a sale but are prepared to consider offers that meet their valuation. Previous discussions between Lemic and Giovanni Carnevali, the sporting director of Sassuolo, have facilitated negotiations, but Villa remain firm on their asking price.
Juventus are attempting to involve Martinez’s representatives to persuade Aston Villa to lower their demands, potentially settling for a fee between €3 and €5 million. The Italian club are also exploring alternative options, including Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario, should the Martinez deal fall through. Spalletti reportedly has some reservations about Vicario, but Juventus may be forced to compromise due to financial constraints following the ratification of a settlement agreement with UEFA.
Martinez himself has paused transfer discussions until after the Copa America, focusing entirely on representing Argentina. Juventus are keen to resolve the situation quickly, particularly if they decide to sell either Mattia Perin or Marco Di Gregorio.
