Updated: 26 Jul 2026 09:04 BST |
4 min read
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Aston Villa have been told that goalkeeper Emi Martinez is actively seeking to leave the club.
The Argentina goalkeeper has been at Villa Park since completing a £17 million move from Arsenal in 2020, despite strong transfer links in each of the past two summers.
Amid rumours that Juventus want to sign the 33-year-old, Unai Emery’s side have been told that the keeper is unsettled by the Serie A side’s manager.
“Dibu Martinez? He’s a goalkeeper who wants to change clubs, and we’re looking for competitiveness. But we currently have two goalkeepers,” Luciano Spalletti said in quotes published by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Spalletti has previously been open about his intention of signing a new goalkeeper, with Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson previously linked with a move to Turin. However, these fresh comments seem to play down the possibility of a deal while also maintaining a public appreciation for the Argentine.
“We know it’s a difficult transfer market, but we’re right there in the office, with the directors, with the CEO. We’ve known each other well for many years, and they’re constantly on the phone trying to find solutions,” the Italian added.
Martinez faces surgery
Spalletti’s comments come after revelations that Martinez will require surgery on an injury he sustained prior to Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory over Freiburg in May.
The keeper played through the pain barrier at the World Cup, but he’s now being forced to go under the knife.
“My hand still hurts every day; I knew it was going to be extremely painful,” Martinez admitted prior to the World Cup final.
“I avoided surgery, even though all the specialists I consulted in the United States and England told me I needed to have it. I couldn’t train during the group stage, but from the Round of 16 onwards after Egypt, I stopped thinking about it, and I feel much better.
“The coach sent me a message [before the World Cup] saying: ‘No matter what state you’re in, I want you on my team.’”
Aston Villa clear on Emi Martinez transfer stance
Villa’s stance on the goalkeeper is that he will not be allowed to leave.
Speaking prior to Argentina’s World Cup semi-final clash with England, Damian Vidagany, the club’s director of football operations, has said the keeper is staying put.
In comments relayed by the Express and Star, he said: “The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer.
“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.
“All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position.”
Juventus seem to have got the message, with their interest in Martinez cooling off.
Spalletti may appreciate the keeper, but a combination of his forthcoming surgery and Aston Villa’s strong stance mean that the chances are he will stay in Birmingham for the season ahead – even if that’s not what the Argentine ideally wants.
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