Aston Villa could lose Emi Martinez this summer, with Italian reports suggesting Juventus have held discussions with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper. While no agreement is in place, Martinez's desire to leave and Villa's financial constraints under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules and UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio may force a sale.
Replacing Martinez, who helped bring the Europa League to Birmingham, will be a huge task for Unai Emery and sporting director Roberto Olabe. His leadership and character are irreplaceable, but the recruitment team has identified several goalkeepers. Here are five realistic targets.
James Trafford - Manchester City
Trafford, 23, is regarded as one of England's brightest prospects. At Burnley in 2024/25, he kept 29 clean sheets, equalling the all-time English Football League record, and conceded just 16 goals with an 84% save percentage. Since moving to Manchester City, he has struggled for game time behind Gianluigi Donnarumma but started in FA Cup and Carabao Cup final victories. Trafford is comfortable on the ball, having developed through City's academy, and is currently in England's World Cup squad as back-up to Jordan Pickford. While he lacks Martinez's experience, his potential is enormous.
Zion Suzuki - Parma
The Japanese international, 23, has established himself in Serie A since joining Parma in 2024. In his debut season, he made 95 saves with a 64% save percentage. Despite a broken hand limiting him to 20 starts in 2025/26, he improved to a 69.9% save percentage. Suzuki is athletic, comfortable coming off his line, and excels in one-on-one situations and claiming crosses. He was Japan's No.1 at the World Cup, playing all four games. While he can be erratic, his ceiling is high, and he could be a perfect fit for Emery's system.
Robin Risser - RC Lens
Risser, 21, was pivotal in Lens's Ligue 1 runners-up finish and Coupe de France victory last season. He kept 11 clean sheets in 33 starts, conceded 35 goals, and recorded a 69% save percentage, winning Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and a France World Cup call-up. His strengths include shot stopping, reflexes, and composure in possession, suiting Emery's system. However, he lacks experience commanding his area, especially on crosses, and benefited from a back three at Lens. At Villa, he would face a traditional back four.
Lucas Chevalier - PSG
Chevalier, 24, boasts Champions League experience, having started for Lille in a win against Real Madrid. After a 2024/25 season with 11 clean sheets and Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year, he moved to PSG but lost his starting spot to Matvey Safonov in January. He watched PSG win the Champions League from the bench. Villa fans remember his performances against them in the 2023/24 Conference League quarter-final, where he saved a penalty from Leon Bailey. Chevalier has excellent reflexes, is a sweeper keeper, and excels in penalty shootouts. His weakness is physicality on set pieces.
Guillaume Restes - Toulouse
Restes, 21, broke into Toulouse's team as a teenager and started for France at the 2024 Olympics, winning silver. Last season, he kept 9 clean sheets in 33 games, with strong reflexes and anticipation. At 6ft 2ins, he is quick and good in build-up play, ideal for a sweeper keeper role. However, he struggles to claim crosses in crowded areas and often punches instead of catching, which could be problematic in the Premier League. He would be a cheaper option with high potential.
Overall, replacing Martinez is one of Emery's toughest tasks. The best choice would be Chevalier, who has big-match experience and mentality, having won trophies and performed in Champions League and penalty shootouts. Trafford lacks elite-level experience, while Chevalier can plug and play immediately.
