Aston Villa are looking to sign at least one goalkeeper this summer, with possible implications for the future of Emiliano Martinez.
The World Cup winner signed a new five-year deal at Villa Park only nine months ago which elevated him into the top pay bracket at the club and is serenaded as ‘the world’s No 1’ before every home game.
Yet Mail Sport understands Villa expect to trade heavily again this summer and will consider offers for Martinez if Unai Emery and his staff believe they can sign a younger alternative of similar ability.
Like many clubs, they have been following the progress of Joan Garcia, a 24-year-old who plays for Espanyol.
Martinez’s No 2 Robin Olsen is set to sign for hometown club Malmo in Sweden at the end of the campaign, meaning there will already be a reshuffle among the goalkeepers this summer.
Intriguingly, it is believed Martinez has held talks with Gestifute, the company run by super agent Jorge Mendes, in recent times.
Unai Emery’s side expect to trade heavily once again this summer, Mail Sport understands
The club will consider offers for Emiliano Martinez if they feel confident they can find a good deal for a younger replacement
The Champions League quarter-finalists are hoping to qualify for the competition once again
Gestifute have several of the football world’s most high-profile figures on their client list, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, and Mendes remains the premier deal-maker in the game, with an unrivalled network of contacts in the top leagues.
Villa need to make at least one significant sale before June 30 to ensure they stay in line with Premier League spending rules.
The departure of Douglas Luiz to Juventus a year ago staved off the threat of a points deduction and Villa’s most effective way to generate revenue is to sell players.
Villa are trying to sign a young centre-forward to replace Jhon Duran, who was sold to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January, though their transfer plans will be influenced by whether they qualify again for the Champions League.
Emery’s men may need to win all three of their remaining games, against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United, to have a chance of finishing in the top five.
