Juventus are in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports from TuttoSport. The Serie A club have identified the Argentinian international as their primary target to strengthen their goalkeeping options under new manager Luciano Spalletti.
Negotiations are reportedly progressing well, with a draft agreement in place for a three-year contract worth €5.5 million per season, plus bonuses. Agent Gustavo Goni and intermediary Vlado Lemic have been central to the discussions, prioritizing a move to Juventus to accommodate Martinez’s desire for a new challenge.
Martinez, 31, has spent six seasons with Aston Villa, playing a pivotal role in their rise from Championship contenders to European football. He was instrumental in their Europa League triumph last season, defeating Freiburg in the final. Despite his status as a fan favorite at Villa Park, Martinez is reportedly keen to experience a new chapter in his career.
Juventus believe they can offer Martinez the platform to compete at the highest level, joining a club aiming to return to prominence after a period of rebuilding. However, a significant hurdle remains in agreeing a transfer fee with Aston Villa. The Italian club consider a fee of €15-20 million to be excessive for a player approaching his mid-thirties.
Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali is currently working to lower the price to between €7-8 million, a figure that would avoid a loss for Aston Villa and fit within Juventus’s financial parameters. Aston Villa are considering potential replacements, including Alexandre Restes of Toulouse, James Trafford of Manchester City, Jean-Louis Risser of Lens, and Lorenzo Ferrari of Parma.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario, recently demoted to third-choice goalkeeper under Roberto De Zerbi, has also emerged as a potential alternative for Juventus should the pursuit of Martinez fail. Vicario has also attracted interest from Napoli but is reportedly open to a move to Turin. The situation is further complicated by the potential interest in Vicario from Aston Villa should Martinez depart.
Ultimately, the transfer hinges on reaching an agreement with Aston Villa, but the prospect of securing Martinez remains a priority for Juventus as they reshape their squad for the upcoming season.
