Juventus are pursuing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a potential reinforcement in goal, following a failed attempt to sign Alisson Becker. The club, and manager Luciano Spalletti, are reportedly drawn to Martinez’s winning mentality and proven track record. The Argentinian international, nicknamed ‘Dibu’, recently added an Europa League title to a trophy cabinet that already includes two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his penalty shootout heroics were crucial to Argentina’s victory.
Juventus officials are planning a meeting with Martinez’s agent, Gustavo Goni, to discuss a potential transfer. A significant hurdle remains in the form of Martinez’s current salary, reported to be €7 million per season with a contract extending to 2028. Juventus would likely attempt to spread the cost over a four-year deal to make it financially feasible. Aston Villa are said to be requesting around €20 million for the 31-year-old goalkeeper, a figure Juventus may consider inflated given his age – he will turn 32 in September – though reports suggest this valuation could be a negotiating tactic.
Interestingly, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reportedly promised Martinez he could leave the club after one more season, a commitment made last year when the player had previously agreed terms with Manchester United before being convinced to stay. This could facilitate Martinez’s departure this summer. The fact that Juventus will not be competing in the Champions League next season does not appear to be a major deterrent for Martinez, provided the club can meet his financial demands and present an ambitious project.
The potential arrival of Martinez could lead to the departure of either Michele Di Gregorio or Mattia Perin from Juventus. Discussions are scheduled with Perin’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, regarding a potential contract extension until 2028, but his future remains uncertain. Additionally, Juventus are set to exercise their counter-option to reclaim goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara from Avellino, with plans to loan him to another Serie A club to continue his development. This move underscores Juventus’s focus on building depth and competition in the goalkeeping position.
