Aston Villa in ‘massive’ new goalkeeper move as £20m+ deal emerges amid Martinez talk
Aston Villa are set for a turbulent summer in the goalkeeping department.
The Villans look likely to part ways with Emi Martinez after five years, as an exit in the upcoming window has been mooted in recent weeks.
If a deal for the Argentina international were to go through, it would take plenty of work from Unai Emery to find an acceptable replacement.
With that being said, an exit update has emerged ahead of the summer, which may take the decision out of the Spanish head coach’s hands.
Aston Villa could move quickly in goalkeeper transfer saga
There is plenty of noise surrounding Villa’s number one, especially after his damming red card against Manchester United on the final day.
Even with that being the case, no supporter will want to lose the 32-year-old, but after Martinez cried on the pitch against Tottenham, he may have no choice.
This may point towards other options being assessed by the B6 club, with Caoimhin Kelleher’s availability being revealed as a Liverpool exit grows in likelihood.
The Republic of Ireland international is keen on an Anfield exit this summer and could be available for a fee upwards of £20million [Liverpool Echo, 28 May].
This could see the Villans make a swoop for the Reds’ number two as a potential alternative for the Argentine ahead of the summer.
Although this may sound like a positive deal, former Leicester City and Brentford boss has been left uncertain by a potential deal at Villa Park.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “I think he would be a good player to sign. He’s done well in the cup competitions at Liverpool.
“Kelleher, would he be able to go in at Aston Villa right at the very top, challenging for the Champions League? I’d have to question that because of his lack of experience.
“I would imagine that Villa want an established keeper who’s done it and can continue to do it moving forward.
“Kelleher has a lot to do in front of him for the future. When you’re at the top level, you need keepers who can win you games.
“It’s massive for Aston Villa, they’re doing well as a club, and these signings need to transform Villa for the next few years.“
Kelleher could shine for Aston Villa
Although signing a current number two may represent a risk to some, that is exactly what Martinez was at Arsenal when he was signed.
| Year | Club | Appearances |
| 2016-present | Liverpool | 67 |
Despite starting in a run of games to win the FA Cup, the Gunners’ number one throughout the rest of that season was Bernd Leno before his injury.
As a result, Kelleher could prove to be an ideal option at just over £20m for Villa, especially if another keeper were to come in to replace Robin Olsen.
Lucas Chevalier has also been linked, representing another potentially positive replacement for the two-time Yashin Trophy winner.