(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 1 May 2026 7:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa are set to step up their pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford amid fresh fears of Emiliano Martinez’s departure, sources have told Football Insider.

The Villans are among a number of Premier League clubs who are chasing a deal for the 23-year-old this summer, while Juventus are also keen to try and take him to Serie A.

The youngster is unhappy with his role at Manchester City, and sources say that Unai Emery and Co. view him as a ready-made replacement for Martinez if he moves on ahead of next season.

Trafford is viewed as a “top young goalkeeper” by the hierarchy at Villa Park, and their recruitment team are ready to begin pressing towards a deal if needs be.

Villa’s transfer plans are set to see them strengthen ahead of their likely return to the Champions League next term, and they are adamant that they want a top-level goalkeeper in their ranks.

Aston Villa expecting Inter Milan bid for Emi Martinez

Martinez has been consistently linked with a move away from Aston Villa in recent years, and he looked set to be heading for the exit door at one stage last summer.

His departure failed to come to fruition on that occasion, but it could be a totally different story this time around, with Inter Milan keen to strike a deal for him in the upcoming window.

The Italian giants have identified the Argentine as an ideal replacement for veteran Yann Sommer, who is set to leave the San Siro at the end of the season.

Football Insider revealed last week that Villa are expecting a bid for Martinez from the Nerazzurri, who feel that the World Cup winner would “tick a lot of boxes” for them.

The 33-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout shot-stoppers in recent seasons, and Villa are already aware that it would require a statement signing to adequately fill his shoes.

Trafford has been outlined as a player with a long future ahead of him at the top level by Villa’s recruitment team, and they are ready to act on their interest if Martinez steps towards the exit.

How much would Villa have to pay for James Trafford?

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider last week that City will sell Trafford for around £40million this summer, with his permanent exit looking increasingly likely.

The youngster is not happy serving as the understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium, and the club are set to grant him his wish of a move this summer if a suitable offer comes in.

City shelled out £31m to re-sign their former academy starlet from Burnley last summer, but are expected to look for a small profit on that investment in order to sanction a move.

With that in mind, Borson expects that it will take a bid in the region of the £40m mark to tempt his former club into doing business, such is Trafford’s growing reputation within the game.