Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa
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Juventus have reportedly had a major boost in their bid to sign Emi Martinez amid claims that Aston Villa are prepare to lower their asking price for the goalkeeper.
Martinez's future is under fresh scrutiny a year after he was linked with Manchester United as Villa look to master some financial challenges despite their return to the Champions League.
The Argentina international, away on World Cup duty, is said to have already agreed terms of a switch to Italy with the only barrier being the transfer fee.
Villa were said to want around £8-9m for the goalkeeper but Tuttomercato say Juve are only prepared to offer around £5m.
They felt the original asking price was too high for a goalkeeper who turns 34 later this year.
Now it's claimed that Villa's stance is beginning to soften which has increased the chances of Martinez moving to Turin.
Liverpool's Alisson Becker had been another goalkeeper on Juventus' list of targets, but the Reds have no desire to let him leave despite him entering the final year of his contract.
Juventus' need for a goalkeeper comes on the back of patchy performances from Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin last season.
Meanwhile, Villa have been assessing options in preparation for the possibility that Martinez leaves.
Zion Suzuki, James Trafford, and Robin Risser are among the goalkeepers Villa have tracked in recent months.
Martinez came close to leaving Villa 12 months ago, but Manchester United opted to sign Senne Lammens instead on deadline day in September.
If he does leave, he would depart as a club legend after winning the Europa League and helping Villa once again qualify for the Champions League for a second season in three years.
What would be your asking price for Martinez? Have your say HERE
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