Emiliano Martinez makes Aston Villa transfer feelings clear as house-hunt underway
Aston Villa should accept the inevitable and move on from Emiliano Martinez in the upcoming transfer window.
While there's no doubt the Argentina international has been one of the greatest goalkeepers to play for the Lions in the Premier League era, they need to find a replacement for him in the summer.
The 33-year-old has been flirting with the idea of leaving the Villans since last summer and speculation around his future has only grown since.
Martinez is reportedly closing in on a move to Juventus, with the Italian club hoping to strike an agreement at Villa Park
The veteran shot-stopper was instrumental in ending the 30-year trophy drought at the B6 club, as Unai Emery lifted another Europa League title.
It will be difficult for any goalkeeper to fill the Argentine's eventual void, who has clearly checked out of Birmingham after taking obvious steps to move to Italy.
Emiliano Martinez wants Juventus transfer from Aston Villa
Juventus are moving forward with their attempts to sign Martinez from Villa as they reshape their backroom following the sacking of CEO Damien Comolli.
Giovanni Carnevali is closing in on leading the Serie A outfit behind the scenes, but their plans regarding the World Cup-winning goalkeeper haven't changed.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio on 11 June, Martinez is committed to the idea of signing for the Italian club after already reaching an agreement with them.
The shot-stopper only wants Juventus, so much so that he has already begun searching for a new home in Turin.
NSWE ready Emiliano Martinez plan at Villa Park
Sources told Football Insider in April that Villa may be ready to sell Martinez for a big offer to alleviate the club's financial issues.
While Champions League qualification and the Europa League victory will certainly help the Lions, a lack of funds has been a major issue at Villa Park for some time now, and the Argentina international's sale could generate funds and free up room in the wage bill.
Martinez still has three years left on his contract at the Villans and it will be interesting to see how much Juventus are willing to pay for him.