Aston Villa to go all in for Moritz Nicolas amid Emi Martinez exit update

Aston Villa could accelerate their plans to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Moritz Nicolas in place of the exit-bound Emi Martinez.

The Villans are in for a summer of change in certain departments, with the goalkeeping area one that's expected to look different next season.

Martinez looked likely to leave Villa Park last summer, but a dramatic twist saw him stay in B6, as he then wrapped his hands around the Europa League trophy at the end of the campaign.

Unai Emery is a huge fan of the Argentine and will be sad to see him leave, but it's reported that he's agreed personal terms to join Juventus this summer.

Villa want around £13million to let him go, while the Bianconeri want to sign him for as little as £8m.

The difference in valuation is the only remaining hurdle preventing Martinez's inevitable exit, but Villa have planned for his departure with Nicolas.

Aston Villa could sign Moritz Nicolas for £13m

Aston Villa have done their homework on Moritz, who is available to leave this summer.

His contract with Monchengladbach includes a release clause, but it doesn't allow Premier League clubs to touch it.

However, it's said that Villa could sign the shot-stopper for as little as £13m, which could be a steal considering his performances last season.

The 28-year-old came second in the Bundesliga for clean sheets with 13, as only Gregor Kobel beat him with 15.

Internal figures know all about Nicolas, who has been identified as the long-term Martinez replacement.

Though the German has no Premier League experience, his performances in the Bundesliga are enough to give the Villans confidence.

How does Nicolas compare to Emi Martinez?

There is always concerns about bringing foreign goalkeeper's to the Premier League due to the culture change most of them are hit with when moving to England.

It's a physical game for shot-stoppers, and some can be left surprised at how challenging the top flight actually is.

However, Nicolas' stats have him with a 72 per cent save percentage, while Martinez's is one less with 71 per cent.

That's even more impressive when you consider he's faced 1.31 more shots per game on average than Martinez, as he also boasts no errors that have led to a goal, unlike the Villa keeper (3).

It's a potential signing that Villa will most likely look to move forward with now, especially with Martinez's exit nearing.