Aston Villa are preparing for the possibility of Emiliano Martinez moving this summer and have set their sights on a replacement.
Martinez has been Villa's number one ever since arriving at Villa Park back in 2020. The veteran Argentine goalkeeper looked set to leave the club last summer but stayed put as Manchester United opted to sign Senne Lammens.
The 33-year-old got back to his best with superb displays for Unai Emery's side, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He made 44 appearances across competitions, keeping 14 clean sheets.
Aston Villa prepare for Martinez exit
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez apologises after 5-1 defeat v Newcastle
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez apologises after 5-1 defeat v Newcastle
Despite Martinez's impressive form and his recent comments about staying at Villa, speculation is growing over a potential exit. According to Calciomercato, Juventus have made him their top goalkeeping target ahead of Michele Di Gregorio's anticipated departure.
Juve are set to offload Di Gregorio and want Martinez to replace him. A move to Turin might appeal to Argentina's 'world-class' shot-stopper, who has three years left on his contract.
The Villans have seemingly put plans in place to react to a Martinez sale and are readying a bid for Lens' Robin Risser. The 21-year-old is one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe and was the number one for new Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage throughout last season.
L'Equipe reports that Villa have identified Risser as Martinez's heir and have been keeping tabs on him for several months. There's no word on how much the club are prepared to offer for the Frenchman who is currently at the World Cup with Les Bleus.
Risser is a worthy heir
Villa Park
Villa Park
Villa need to replace Martinez sooner rather than later, and Risser ticks plenty of boxes. Moving for an experienced shot-stopper is a short-term fix, and there aren't many credible options on the market.
Risser is at the very start of his career and could hold down the number one shirt at Villa Park for years to come. He possesses a modern ball-playing goalkeeping profile and excellent reflexes.
The young Frenchman won Ligue 1's Goalkeeper of the Year after starring for Lens, who finished second. He also helped his team win the Coupe de France and is tipped for an extremely bright future.
Emery doesn't usually get it wrong in the transfer market and he'll likely have plenty of input in the club's search for Martinez's successor. With a return to UEFA Champions League football on the horizon, it's important he has a squad ready to compete domestically and in Europe.
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