Aston Villa have been eyeing several goalkeepers to replace Emiliano Martinez this summer, should he really leave.
Aston Villa have been keeping tabs on several goalkeeper profiles to replace their number one shot-stopper. Emiliano Martinez could be leaving Villa Park, possibly after the World Cup, as his potential suitors, Juventus, have been reaching out to The Lions to hold talks.
La Vecchia Signora appear to believe they could sign the Argentine, as Martinez himself is reportedly interested in switching sides to Italy to seek a new challenge. Aston Villa have even considered lowering their £8.5 million price tag, as the Italian giants are only prepared to pay up to £4.3 million.
What’s next for Unai Emery’s side is signing the proper replacement, since the former Arsenal goalkeeper is one of the best in the world, with a bold personality that can even boost the team’s mentality during critical moments. It will be interesting to see how Villa determine Martinez’s ideal successor.
The ideal replacement from an experienced profile is surely someone with proven experience. Unfortunately, the number of experienced goalkeepers available on the current market is quite limited. Barcelona’s Marc Ter Stegen might fit the category. Yet, he is not even on Unai Emery’s shortlist due to his recurring injuries over the past two seasons and his declining form before those injuries.
The surprising name under Villa’s radar is Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro. The 31-year-old goalkeeper is the perfect choice for Unai Emery’s men. He has been La Real’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2019 and has won the Copa del Rey twice, in 2020 and 2026.
Remiro also helped his team compete regularly in Europe, including in the 2023/24 Champions League. On that occasion, Sociedad progressed to the round of 16 before losing to PSG. Overall, the goalkeeper, who has only two international caps, has made 309 appearances and kept 114 clean sheets. Thus, his experience at the top level is unquestionable.
His price tag is only around £8.6 million, as his contract expires in 2027. However, there have yet to be any formal talks from Villa, nor has Remiro himself requested to leave, although Sociedad would reportedly be open to cashing in on him this summer.
Another option would be betting on top young talents. The Claret and Blue seem to be leaning more towards this approach, considering a number of names on their shortlist. The likes of Manchester City’s James Trafford, Japan international Zion Suzuki, and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are examples of how Villa might be opting for this route.
All of them are still under 24 years old and have been the first-choice goalkeepers for their respective clubs, albeit without significant Champions League experience. That is definitely something to consider, since Ollie Watkins and Co. are back in Europe’s top-flight competition. They would need someone with a proven track record in high-level matches, where even the smallest mistakes can prove costly.
Trafford seems to be a promising option. He is likely to become England’s future number one and gained experience in major finals last season as Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, which they won. The 23-year-old shot-stopper may lack Champions League experience, having featured only once, but he has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Suzuki is another strong candidate. He may only be playing for Italian mid-table side Parma, yet the 23-year-old goalkeeper has produced impressive performances against Italy’s biggest clubs in the domestic league. Most importantly, he has been in the spotlight with a series of outstanding saves at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Brazil, helping Japan reach the round of 32. The goalkeeper of Ghanaian descent also possesses the bold, commanding personality that resembles Martinez himself.
Last but not least, there is Ligue 1 star Guillaume Restes. The current Toulouse goalkeeper certainly has the talent, but he has yet to earn a senior call-up to the France national team.
He is also lacking European experience, as his only appearance in continental competition came in the 2023/24 Europa League, where he helped Toulouse reach the play-off stage. His team has not yet managed to finish in the top six, making him a somewhat risky option.
However, Restes is reportedly the one edging closest to Villa Park. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Unai Emery’s side, according to several sources.
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