Aston Villa are preparing to return to the Champions League next season after a fantastic campaign, but they are now being looked at by several clubs as potential options for their squad to be picked apart.
The Villans finished fourth in the Premier League and won the ] to claim their spot in Europe’s top competition next season, and are keen to strengthen their squad in the upcoming transfer window to ensure they are capable of maintaining their level of performance to compete at all levels.
But a number of clubs across Europe are aware that their financial situation is not the most secure, and some of their top stars are now being looked at for a potential transfer.
Juventus Want to Sign £230,000-a-Week Aston Villa Star
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti
According to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, one player being looked at for a potential transfer away is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez was expected to depart the club last summer, with Manchester United heavily linked, but a move never materialised and he stayed, making 44 appearances in all competitions as he retained his number one shirt under Unai Emery.
But with the season now complete, it’s understood that he could be on the move away from Villa Park and 36-time Serie A champions Juventus are considering making a move for the Argentina international.
Di Marzio reports that the 33-year-old could cost as little as €5m (£4.3m) in a transfer fee, despite being contracted until 2028. That’s because it’s reported that he currently earns around £230,000-a-week, and they are keen to get those wages off their books.
Juventus are eyeing a number of options for their goalkeeper position having missed out on Champions League football for next season, and Martinez is someone they are keeping a close eye on.
You scored
out of 20
↩ Play again
Aston Villa Can Get a Much Higher Fee
While Aston Villa may be in a position where they need to sell players, they don’t need to get fleeced for their top stars.
Martinez isn’t the player he was a few years ago, and his performances have shown that. The club know it too, having looked closely at the transfer market for this summer for potential replacements, and the suggestion is, once again, that they are open to allowing him to move on this summer.
But a fee of less than £5m, despite his big wages, would be disrespectful, and there is no way that the board should even think about considering such a low fee. They could easily get four times that amount from someone, and without a replacement already through the door ready to play in the Champions League, there is no rush to sell to the first bidder.
Related
England Legend Tells Thomas Tuchel That ‘Unstoppable’ Aston Villa Star Must Star at World Cup
Heskey has had his say.