Who is Guillaume Restes? The teenage star Aston Villa could sign as long-term replacement

Aston Villa are interested in Toulouse shotstopper Guillaume Restes as doubts continue around Emi Martinez.

Martinez has been the first name on the teamsheet for six years now, making this a critical decision at Villa Park.

The Villans are preparing for a return to the Champions League next term, as such, they will require a top-level goalkeeper.

Restes has emerged as a target, with Villa holding talks with representatives already.

Although he doesn't exactly have that Champions League experience, the potential is most certainly there.

With this in mind, Villa News takes a look at what fans in the Midlands need to know about the 21-year-old shotstopper.

Guillaume Restes has already done something rare for a goalkeeper his age

Restes has already packed a lot into a short senior career.

The Toulouse shotstopper only turned 21 in March, and has been his hometown club's number one since breaking into the side as an 18-year-old.

The Athletic reports that Restes would cost around £20million.

Born in Toulouse and developed by the club's academy, he has quickly become one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Ligue 1.

Alongside proper experience in the French top flight, he has been a stalwart at youth level for France, alongside a place in Thierry Henry's Olympic squad in 2024.

With two years left on his deal, there may be room for Villa to negoatiate, if they do decide to firm up their interest.

Aston Villa are going to have to be ruthless with Emi Martinez

As of now, Martinez is still a Villa player, with little to no progress made in terms of a move.

With this in mind, the Villans will be desperate to avoid a situation similar to that of last year, when the Argentine's saga dragged on and on into the final days of the window.

They cannot let that happen this time, and will be wanting to know whether they do indeed have to pursue a replacement.

Restes would be a risk given his age and lack of experience compared to Martinez, but signing him would most certainly point in the direction of a more youthful focus at Villa Park moving forward.

Though, Emery will want to know as soon as possible whether he is going to be integrating a new goalkeeper into the side next term.

Make no mistake, it was Aston Villa who made Martinez a star of the highest level, now it may be time to do that with Restes as well.