Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring Ligue 1 talent as they prepare for the potential departure of Emi Martinez. The 32-year-old goalkeeper could leave Villa Park this summer after coming close to a move in September. Manchester United opted to sign Senne Lammens instead of Villa's number one on deadline day, despite Martinez being open to a transfer.
Martinez was seen in tears at the end of Villa's final home game last season against Tottenham, seemingly aware it might have been his last appearance at Villa Park. However, a transfer never materialized, and Martinez was even left out of the squad to face Crystal Palace before deadline day due to the uncertainty.
According to Foot Mercato, Villa have begun scouting potential replacements. Young goalkeepers Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes, both 21, are reportedly among their targets, with both emerging as exciting prospects.
Risser currently plays for RC Lens, having joined from Strasbourg last summer after an impressive loan spell with Red Star in Ligue 2. He has started all 31 of Lens' league matches this season, keeping 12 clean sheets and helping the club mount a title challenge. Lens, who sit second in the French top flight, would demand a significant fee to part with Risser, making a move for Restes potentially more likely.
Restes came through the ranks at Toulouse and has long been tipped as a future star. This season, he has also started every league match, keeping nine clean sheets in 33 appearances. He has two years remaining on his contract, with Toulouse expected to finish mid-table.
