Aston Villa have reportedly received a fresh bid from Juventus for goalkeeper Emi Martinez worth up to €10 million (£8.5m). The Athletic reports that Villa would prefer €10m up front rather than the €7m plus €3m in add-ons that the Italian club are proposing, but it's clear the gap in valuations is closing.
Martinez's Future in Doubt
Martinez, 33, has been at the centre of transfer speculation for more than 12 months now. He was heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United last year before they signed Senne Lammens instead.
Martinez enjoyed another successful season with Villa by securing a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and victory in the Europa League before going on to reach another World Cup final with Argentina.
Villa's Stance Shifts
Villa had been working on the assumption Martinez would stay put this summer and director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insisted he would not be sold earlier in the transfer window.
“The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany told 365 Scores. “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.”
Potential Replacement Identified
However, Martinez is now widely expected to leave Villa Park and the club are pursuing a deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The Japan international has received interest from across Europe this summer, and Villa could be his destination should Juventus reach an agreement with the club for Martinez.
Martinez is yet to report back for pre-season after he, along with England duo Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa, was given a four-week post-World Cup break. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Villa will need to finalise a replacement before the transfer window closes.
