Juventus has reportedly pulled out of a move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez this summer, following discussions between the clubs. Despite this, reports from another source indicate that Aston Villa has received a new bid from Juventus for the goalkeeper, with the gap between their valuations narrowing.
The Serie A club has shown a willingness to pay for Martinez, including an initial sum and an additional amount in add-ons based on team success. This offer is less than the guaranteed price Villa is reportedly seeking, though the clubs are said to be moving closer to an agreement. Personal terms with the 33-year-old Argentina international are not expected to be an issue.
Martinez’s Future at Villa Park
Reports on Saturday indicated that Martinez was in negotiations to leave Villa this summer. The Premier League club has reportedly increased its pursuit of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. With discussions regarding Martinez’s potential departure progressing, Villa has begun considering a deal for Japan international Suzuki, valued at around €30 million.
This marks the second consecutive summer where Martinez’s future at Villa has been uncertain. Last summer, Manchester United held talks with him and made a loan bid in the later stages of the transfer window, which was rejected. United subsequently signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Martinez is contracted to Villa until 2029. He made 44 appearances across all competitions last season, during which Villa achieved a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and won the Europa League. He also played a significant role for Argentina in this summer’s World Cup, starting all eight of his nation’s matches.
He joined Villa from Arsenal in September 2020 and has since made 256 appearances for the club. A departure for Martinez would contribute to a summer of changes at Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne having already left. Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Ezri Konsa.
Other Transfer Speculations
Elsewhere, Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, and faces competition from Al-Hilal. Real Madrid’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, has reportedly approved a move for Arsenal’s Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 27.
Nottingham Forest has joined the pursuit of Liam Delap from Chelsea, with the English striker reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League. Everton is currently leading the chase for Delap, as Chelsea has informed him he can leave this summer. Everton is also reportedly keen to sign English midfielder Marcus Tavernier, 27, from Bournemouth before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle is preparing a bid for Villarreal’s Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze, 25, who is also attracting interest from Barcelona. Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen, 27, has not ruled out a summer move from Galatasaray, with Arsenal reportedly interested. Coventry City is nearing the signing of Sidiki Cherif, 19, from Fenerbahce after agreeing to a deal for the Guinea forward.
A deal for Leeds United’s Suriname forward Joel Piroe, 27, to join West Ham United is in its final stages. Hull City is in advanced talks regarding a deal for Panathinaikos forward Andreas Tetteh, with Roma also interested in the Greece international. Manchester United is increasing efforts to generate funds from its academy, with English left-back Harry Amass, 19, potentially moving for approximately an amount plus add-ons.
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has excluded Youssouf Fofana, 27, from his plans for the season, leading to interest from Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace for the France midfielder. Atletico Madrid aims to sign Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, 26, ahead of Barcelona, with Girona valuing him at about an amount.
Source: bbc.com
