Juventus are reportedly preparing to make a final push to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez following the conclusion of the World Cup. The Serie A giants appear undeterred by Villa's public statements that Martinez will remain at Villa Park this summer.
Juventus Confident of Player Support
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus expects to find support from Martinez in asking the club to let him leave for Turin. Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali has already identified Martinez as a summer transfer target, stating earlier this month: "Martinez is playing at the World Cup so we have to wait and see. He is a goalkeeper who interests us. However, I reiterate what I said earlier regarding Juventus: there could be many opportunities. We need to evaluate things carefully, especially right now, given that the valuations for some players are excessively high - unrealistic figures."
Aston Villa's Firm Stance
Aston Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, has emphatically stated that Martinez is not for sale. "The goalkeeper's future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer," Vidagany said. "The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season. All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club's true position. Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his teammates."
Contract and Fee Details
Gazzetta reports that Juventus and Martinez's agents have reached an agreement in principle on a three-year contract worth €5 million per year. It is also claimed that Carnevali has offered a total of €6.5 million for an initial loan and future permanent transfer. Martinez, who suffered World Cup final heartbreak with Argentina against Spain, remains a key figure for Villa, who are determined to keep him.
