Emi Martinez tells European giant he wants to join in bombshell blow for Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez has informed Juventus that he wishes to join them, talkSPORT understands.

However, despite reports in Italy claiming a move for the Argentine is close to being completed, nothing is believed to have been agreed with Aston Villa as yet.

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Martinez has long been linked with a Villa Park exit, having seen a transfer to Manchester United fall through last summer

More recently, talkSPORT reported that Martinez was keen on leaving English football, with Inter Milan touted as a potential destination in January.

And it now appears that the 33-year-old has set his sights on another Italian giant, with Juventus his preferred move.

Sky Italy claim Martinez has already agreed a three-year contract with the Bianconeri, but talk of this is understood to be premature.

The stopper’s current contract at Villa Park does not expire until 2029, having penned a new five-year deal in 2024.

This would make it likely that Villa would demand a reasonable fee from Juventus, with reports in Italy reporting his asking price to be between €10million-€15m (£8.6m-£12.9m).

Changes between the sticks?

Should a move materialise, Villa will likely be in the market for a new No.1, and it appears they have already given some thought to this.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Japan and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is among three goalkeepers on their summer wish-list if Martinez ends up leaving.

As for Juventus, their interest in Martinez comes as they look to shore up their defence after a disappointing campaign.

The Serie A giants finished sixth, missing out on Champions League qualification, and have made signing a goalkeeper a top priority.

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Luciano Spalletti’s side had initially explored a move for Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, only to see their advances blocked by the Reds.

As a result Juventus have turned their attention to Martinez, who is currently gearing up for the World Cup with Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni’s team begin their title defence by taking on Algeria in their Group J opener on Wednesday.

The stopper played a key role in his national team’s triumph in 2022, and has since been rated as one of the world’s greatest between the sticks.

Last summer, talkSPORT reported that then Man United boss Ruben Amorim coveted the keeper, with Red Devils centre-back Lisandro Martínez hailing his compatriot.

But they ultimately opted for Belgian stopper Senne Lammens instead, leading to Martinez staying in Birmingham.

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Things haven’t worked out too badly for the Argentina star since then though, as he went on to enjoy a memorable campaign with Villa.

Martinez played a key role as the Villans ended a 30-year wait for silverware with victory in the Europa League.

Unai Emery‘s side cruised to a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final, while they also wrapped up Champions League qualification by securing a fourth-place Premier League finish.