Six Emi Martinez replacements including Arsenal transfer target and departing Liverpool star
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez could leave the club this summer
Our dedicated Aston Villa reporter is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue, from major talking points to transfer news to match action, John Townley will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.
Emi Martinez could play his final game for Aston Villa this weekend.
The Argentina number one has attracted interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer transfer window.
Atletico Madrid are reportedly among the contenders to sign Martinez, while Manchester United have also been linked with a move.
Martinez left the Villa Park pitch in tears after the 2-0 win over Tottenham last Friday, which was the club’s final home game of the season.
Here are a few potential replacements Aston Villa could consider if Martinez departs...
Joan Garcia
Highly rated Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia is known to be a target for Villa.
The Espanyol star has a release clause of around £25 million and has been tracked by several clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, has already scouted Garcia this season in preparation for the summer window.
He has kept seven clean sheets this season and has earned plaudits for his performances in a struggling Espanyol side, who face the threat of relegation on the final day of the season.
Alex Remiro
Staying in Spain, Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro has also enjoyed an impressive season.
At 30 years old, Remiro is approaching his peak as a goalkeeper and brings a wealth of experience, having made over 350 appearances.
Only Jan Oblak (15) has kept more clean sheets than Remiro (13) in La Liga this term.
Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to find a new club this summer.
He would be a smart acquisition for many Premier League teams and is capable of starting for the majority of clubs in the top flight.
Kelleher, who turns 27 in November, has plenty of years ahead of him but has yet to play as a regular number one at senior level.
Lucas Chevalier
Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has emerged on the radar of several top clubs over the past 12 months.
His consistent form in Ligue 1 continues to attract admirers, having played a key role in Lille’s progress.
Though the club was knocked out of the Conference League last season, they qualified for the Champions League and finished seventh in the league phase.
At just 23 years old, Chevalier has plenty of room for growth, despite already operating at a high level. He has kept 11 clean sheets in Ligue 1 this campaign — the second-most in the division.
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa has long been linked with a move away from Porto.
Last month, reports claimed that Manchester City were leading the race to sign the Portugal number one, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs or the player.
Costa has two years remaining on his current contract, and with Porto needing to raise funds, this summer could be the ideal time to cash in.
Mike Maignan
A more ambitious target could be Mike Maignan, who, according to Corriere dello Sport, could be available for offers over £17 million this summer.
That’s because he has just one year remaining on his contract with AC Milan.
The Rossoneri failed to qualify for European competition this season after a loss to Roma last weekend ended their hopes of securing even a place in the Conference League.