Aston Villa are reportedly interested in two young Ligue 1 goalkeepers amid Emi Martinez’s uncertain future
Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa are reportedly keeping an eye on Ligue 1 talent as they prepare for the possible departure of Emi Martinez.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper could leave Villa this summer after coming close to doing so back in September. Manchester United opted to sign Senne Lammens instead of Villa’s number one on deadline day, despite Martinez being open to a move.
Martinez was seen in tears at the end of Villa’s final home game of last season against Tottenham, seemingly aware that it could have been his last appearance at Villa Park.
However, a transfer never materialised, and Martinez was even left out of the squad to face Crystal Palace before deadline day due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
According to Foot Mercato, Villa have already begun scouting potential replacements should Martinez depart this summer. Young goalkeepers Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes are reportedly among their targets, with both 21-year-olds emerging as exciting prospects.
Risser currently plays for RC Lens, having joined from Strasbourg last summer following an impressive loan spell with Red Star in Ligue 2. He has started all 31 of Lens’ league matches this season and has kept an impressive 12 clean sheets, helping the club mount a title challenge.
It is claimed that Lens, who sit second in the French top flight, would demand a significant fee to part with Risser so early in his career, making a move for Restes potentially more likely.
Restes, meanwhile, came through the ranks at Toulouse and has long been tipped as a future star. This season, he has also started every league match for his club, keeping nine clean sheets in 33 appearances.
The French goalkeeper has two years remaining on his contract, with Toulouse expected to finish mid-table this season.
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