Aston Villa may have just forced Juventus into Emiliano Martinez rethink

Aston Villa have been handed a boost in the Emi Martinez transfer saga.

The goalkeeper's future remains up in the air this summer, with Juventus among those interested.

Martinez looked set for a move last year after saying what appeared to be an emotional goodbye to the Villa fans.

However, he would remain in the Midlands, with the saga dragging on until deadline day in early September.

The Argentine has been the first name on the teamsheet since joining the club in 2020, but he is not getting any younger at 33.

If Unai Emery is looking to keep hold of him next term, he may just be celebrating, with the Villans potentially putting Juventus off for the time being.

Frustrated Juventus eye domestic deal after Aston Villa pushback

As per multiple sources in Italy, including Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are interested in Roma shotstopper Mile Svilar.

This comes after negotiations for Martinez and Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario stalled.

Club director Giovanni Carnevali previously confirmed the interest in Martinez and Vicario, but the Bianconeri could be looking elsewhere due to "economic demands that are very elevated."

If Villa are the ones driving up the price, it could well be putting the record Italian champions off for the time being.

At 26, Svilar is yet to enter the prime of his career, and is extremely highly rated in Italy.

He could cost upward of £50million, but the Old Lady would be more willing to negotiate at this level due to his age.

Juve had looked like a likely destination for Martinez, but recent reports could indicate otherwise - leaving the Villans in an awkward spot.

Where will Aston Villa sit in Emi Martinez dilemma?

The Argentine has been fantastic at Villa Park, earning his place as the world's number one in the process.

However, the Villans simply cannot let the situation continue to drag on, not when they are preparing for a season of Champions League football.

The likes of Zion Suzuki and Guillaume Restes have already been mentioned as targets - players they could well miss out on if the Martinez saga drags on.

The goalkeeper is a hero in the Midlands, but he must not taint that with another transfer scenario stretching on until the latter stages of the window.

Villa would love to keep him, any club would, but the decision needs to be made sooner rather than later.