Aston Villa appear to risk future setback as Emi Martinez question remains unanswered

Aston Villa could damage their own future prospects by waiting on Emi Martinez.

The Argentina international has been a true star for the Villans ever since joining from Arsenal.

He is a World Cup winner and a two-time Copa America champion and has now added a Europa League medal to his cabinet.

There is no doubt that he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has done so while with the B6 outfit.

He tarnished his legacy somewhat by trying to join Manchester United last summer and is looking at a move to Juventus this time around.

Villa clearly see his potential exit as a blow, but the longer they wait, the longer they risk damaging themselves.

Aston Villa's plans remain on hold while Emi Martinez situation drags on

There have been plenty of links away from Villa Park for the 33-year-old recently.

A move to Serie A looks the most likely this time around as the Old Lady showcase a keen interest.

Juventus clearly aren't keen on spending what the Villans are demanding, so it looks like another transfer saga that will drag on.

If the Italian giants don't sign him, it may seem like a positive, but it could actually be a source of great frustration in the long term.

Villa have been linked to so many successors to Martinez this summer and if he doesn't leave, they probably won't sign another keeper.

That could force a scramble for next summer, where their targets from 12 months prior have all moved elsewhere.

That wouldn't be a good look and could cause plenty of damage, and all because this Martinez situation drags on.

Who could replace Martinez at Aston Villa?

It seems counterintuitive to sell a goalkeeper and replace him while he continues to be excellent.

Villa just need to futureproof and the goalkeeper is one position they can do that with for this season and many to come.

That has seen much younger options be linked with a Villa Park switch.

Most recently, Guillaume Restes of Toulouse has been linked after three years as number one despite being just 21 years old.

Zion Suzuki has also been linked after showing his qualities at the World Cup with Japan.

There is also the chance of a move for James Trafford as he looks likely to leave Manchester City this summer.

These three would represent youthful options for the Villans and could be their go-to shot-stopper for 10 years if all goes to plan.

Potential moves for these options all hinge on Martinez and his future at Villa Park.

If he doesn't move, it feels likely that these keepers will pass Unai Emery and Co. by, leaving next summer likely to be increasingly more difficult.