Emiliano Martínez is expected to leave Aston Villa for Juventus once his involvement in the World Cup concludes, according to L’Équipe. The 33-year-old Argentinian goalkeeper has spent five years with the Birmingham club and a move to Italy is now anticipated. Aston Villa are already actively pursuing a replacement, with Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser identified as a primary target.
Martínez arrived at Aston Villa in 2020 from Arsenal and quickly established himself as a key player, culminating in a Premier League title win with the club. He has been a regular starter for Argentina, playing a crucial role in their recent Copa América triumph. His departure will leave a significant void in Aston Villa’s squad.
Risser, 21, was part of the France squad at the current World Cup, serving as the third-choice goalkeeper. He joined Lens last summer from Strasbourg for a fee of €3 million and has quickly become a valuable asset for the Ligue 1 club. Aston Villa’s recruitment team have been tracking Risser’s progress for several months.
Lens are reportedly unwilling to let Risser leave easily, with the player currently under contract until 2030. The club’s president is personally involved in the potential negotiations, indicating the importance of the goalkeeper to their plans. Aston Villa are expected to submit an initial offer to gauge Lens’s demands and willingness to sell. The Premier League club may face a challenge in convincing Lens to part with a player they only signed recently and view as a long-term asset. A swift response from Aston Villa is expected to test Lens’s resolve.
Securing Risser would provide Aston Villa with a promising young goalkeeper to build around, while also offering competition for places. The move represents a potential step up in league quality for Risser, should he complete a transfer to the Premier League.
