Aston Villa are now considering a summer move for a “world-class” goalkeeper, with Emiliano Martinez’s future at Villa Park still uncertain.
Villa eyeing new goalkeeper despite Martinez impressing
Martinez has been impressing in recent weeks, making a remarkable save to preserve his clean sheet in Villa’s 1-0 victory against Brighton in the Premier League.
During the summer transfer window, there was plenty of talk about the Argentinian’s future, amid interest from Manchester United, but he ultimately ended up remaining with the Villans, which certainly pleased Unai Emery.
Emery said: “Staying here for Emi Martinez is good news for us. I’m so, so happy. For me he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. We have the best goalkeeper in the world.”
However, while the 33-year-old is tied down on a contract that lasts until the summer of 2029, his long-term future at Villa Park is still up in the air, according to a recent report from Football Insider.
The report also states Aston Villa are considering a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, who has failed to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans since arriving at the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke goes on to explain: “Aston Villa are looking at him, Newcastle have held a long-term interest in Trafford as well and came close to signing him before he ended up going back to Manchester City.
“A lot will depend on what the player himself wants to do, if he wants to move away in search of regular first-team football come next summer.”
“World-class” Trafford needs regular game time
With Gianluigi Donnarumma arriving at Man City in the summer, the 23-year-old has found game time hard to come by this season, making just three appearances in the Premier League, so he needs to move on for the good of his career this summer.
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The Englishman is at risk of his development being hampered, which is a concern, given that he has exhibited some very promising signs, keeping 29 clean sheets for Burnley in the Championship this season, and equalling the EFL record in the process.
Scott Parker was certainly very impressed by the goalkeeper, who is represented by the same agent as Ezri Konsa, lauding him as “world-class”, while he also ranked very highly in terms of goals prevented, when compared to players of a similar age.
That said, while there may be some concerns about Marco Bizot, with the Villa goalkeeper being dismissed for a reckless red card against Newcastle United on Saturday, there is little reason to replace Martinez.
