Aston Villa
Mick Brown
Sat 24 May 2025 20:00, UK
Aston Villa are eyeing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as a potential option to replace Emiliano Martinez, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is one of a number of options on Unai Emery’s shortlist.
His availability has put a number of suitors on alert after his £25million release clause became active following Southampton’s relegation.
As a result, Villa have joined the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, Newcastle, Leeds and Bournemouth on a long list of clubs interested in Ramsdale.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Martinez’s camp are pushing to leave Aston Villa for a huge pay-day in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the goalkeeper appeared to wave goodbye to Villa fans following their final home game of the season against Tottenham on 16 May.
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Aston Villa. (Credit: Imago)
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Aston Villa plot Aaron Ramsdale swoop after Martinez latest
Brown told Football Insider on 7 May that Martinez could leave Villa Park amid interest from Saudi clubs, although it would be a “surprise” if he was let go.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Villa will move to sign a replacement if the Argentina goalkeeper is allowed to leave.
“*If Aston Villa are going to lose their goalkeeper, they need a replacement,*” he told Football Insider.
“They will already have a number of targets in mind, it won’t catch them by surprise.
“They’ve got a list of options to choose from, and I believe Aaron Ramsdale is on there.
“There are a lot of clubs interested in Ramsdale because he’s going to be available.
“He’s got this release clause in his contract which will make the deal relatively cheap, and there are a lot of clubs who need a goalkeeper.
“If Martinez leaves, they really want a top-level option to replace him because he’ll be a big miss.
“Whether Ramsdale is that man will be up to them to decide, but they’ve certainly been looking.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Unai Emery is preparing for a busy summer transfer window. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Unai Emery eyes Harvey Barnes deal after Newcastle latest
As Emery’s side continue their preparations for a busy summer transfer window, they are eyeing a number of potential signings to strengthen their squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 16 May that Villa are plotting a move for Harvey Barnes, who could be allowed to leave Newcastle this summer.
Marcus Rashford is expected to leave Villa Park at the end of his loan spell, and plans are already being put in place to land his replacement.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Aston Villa are eyeing replacements for Rashford alongside Marco Asensio and Ollie Watkins.
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