Bournemouth’s loss could be Aston Villa’s gain in Emi Martinez replacement search
Aston Villa are already setting out plans to replace Emi Martinez in the summer.
It feels as if time is up for the Argentina international at Villa Park, but it will certainly be a sizable task to adequately replace him.
A Thursday report from Africafoot has suggested that Villa have entered the race to sign 19-year-old keeper Yanis Benchaouch from AS Monaco.
The Moroccan so nearly joined Bournemouth in January, but a deal fell through and has opened the door for Unai Emery’s side to show concrete interest in his signature.
Interest has been boosted after impressive showings at the Under-20 World Cup, as the keeper was involved in a historic win against Martinez’s native Argentina.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth want Yanis Benchaouch
The Cherries were reportedly aiming to complete a quick deal for the teenager in the winter, but negotiations stalled.
Benchaouch was concerned about playing a fringe role at the Vitality, as the tabled deal offered no guarantees of game time.
He was keen to “maintain steady progress at a key stage of his development” and, as a result, turned down a move to the south coast.
A Premier League move could still be on the cards for the 2006-born shot stopper as the Villans showcase interest in the Monaco youngster.
The keeper has been described as one of the most closely watched young goalkeepers in Europe, so Villa could make a statement of intent by bringing him in this summer.
Aston Villa have history with young goalkeepers
There is an element of trepidation surrounding Emery and his use of young players, with academy talent rarely getting a chance under his management in B6.
Lamare Bogarde is a rare example, but there are very few others who have recently made that step up to the first team.
That could represent a fear for Benchaouch if he assessed a move to Villa Park, but there is past form for affording chances to teenage goalkeepers in the Midlands.
Michael Oakes is Villa’s youngest-ever goalkeeper, having made his debut in August 1991 aged 17 years, nine months and 22 days.
| Name | Age | Debut |
| Michael Oakes | 17 years 9 months 22 days | 21/08/1991 – Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United |
| Alan Wakeman | 18 years 20 days | 10/12/1938 – Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa |
| Arthur Sabin | 18 years 02 months 19 days | 13/04/1957 – Aston Villa 5-0 Sheffield Wednesday |
Alan Wakeman and Arthur Sabin also featured at 18, while Benchaouch is currently 19 years, 10 months and 10 days old.
There is every chance that the Moroccan could come in and replace Martinez and become one of the youngest starting keepers in the Premier League.
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