Juventus Target Martínez as New No.1 – Villa Firm on Price

Juventus have made their move. After months of reflection over the future of their goalkeeping department, the Turin club have reached an agreement in principle with Emiliano Martínez, the Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper who has made a habit of thriving under pressure.

For Martínez, the decision is clear. He sees Juventus as the natural next chapter in a career that has already taken him from World Cup glory to European success with Villa. Italy, the Bianconeri, the weight of that shirt – it all appeals to him.

A Verbal Pact with the Old Lady

According to Sky Italia, Martínez has given his verbal approval to a three-year deal running to 2029. The numbers underline his determination to make the move happen.

He currently earns around €7 million net per season at Villa Park. The agreement with Juventus? Closer to €5.5 million net per year. A significant cut, especially for a 33-year-old operating at the peak of his reputation, and a clear signal that he is prioritising the project and prestige over maintaining his Premier League salary.

The Argentina international reportedly views Juventus as the ideal step after helping Aston Villa lift the Europa League. From Birmingham to Turin, from claret and blue to black and white – with the same ambition to win at the highest level.

But for all the handshakes and green lights between player and club, one obstacle remains.

Villa Hold the Key

Aston Villa still control the situation. Juventus may have Martínez’s approval, but they do not yet have Martínez.

The two clubs have not reached a financial agreement, and that is where the deal now lives or dies. Juventus, conscious of the goalkeeper’s age and their own financial parameters, want to strike what they consider a favourable deal. Villa, fresh from European success and fully aware of the value of a world-class goalkeeper, are under no pressure to sell on the cheap.

The latest indications suggest Villa could ask for a fee in the region of €15 million to let Martínez go. For a 33-year-old, that is not insignificant. For a proven leader who has delivered on the biggest stages, it is not excessive either. Negotiations will decide which view prevails.

Spalletti’s Hand on the Wheel

This is not a move driven by opportunism. It comes from the top of the sporting project.

Luciano Spalletti, after a difficult season for his defence, has made it clear he wants a goalkeeper of international stature to anchor his back line. Martínez fits that profile perfectly: a World Cup winner, a Copa América winner, a specialist in high-stakes moments and penalty shoot-outs, and a vocal organiser of the defence in front of him.

Juventus did test the waters elsewhere. Alisson Becker of Liverpool emerged as an initial target, but Liverpool shut the door firmly. No negotiations, no price, no discussion. With that avenue blocked, the Bianconeri turned decisively to Martínez and quickly found a willing partner on the player’s side.

What Martínez would bring is not just shot-stopping. He would bring authority. He would bring a personality capable of resetting a defensive unit that has looked fragile, and a mentality aligned with Juventus’ ambition to return to the summit in Serie A and to compete deep into European competitions again.

A Deal on the Edge

The framework is there: a three-year contract to 2029, a reduced salary agreed, a goalkeeper eager to swap the Premier League for Serie A. Now the story moves into its most delicate chapter.

If Villa insist on their valuation and Juventus refuse to stretch, the deal risks stalling. The Italian club are determined not to walk into another season uncertain about their last line of defence, but they are equally keen not to be backed into a financial corner for a player in his thirties.

They have made contingency plans. Alternatives across Europe are being monitored, and the message from the club is clear: they will not allow themselves to be left without options if talks with Villa drag on or collapse.

Yet everything about this pursuit suggests Juventus see Martínez as the man they want now, not just one name on a list. The coming weeks will reveal whether that conviction is matched by a compromise between the clubs – or whether the Old Lady’s next No.1 will have to be found elsewhere.