Five replacements for Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa

Despite qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for next season, reports have suggested that Aston Villa could lose a number of their key stars this summer.

One player who has been extremely heavily linked with an exit is two-time Yashin Trophy winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who almost left Aston Villa last summer, before Manchester United chose to sign Senne Lammens instead.

The 33 year-old, who led his nation to three consecutive major tournament victories - winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, alongside the World Cup in 2022 - is amongst Villa's highest earners, meaning a sale would benefit them amid the financial restrictions currently imposed on them.

While losing one of their big personalities and genuine world class players would be a big blow for the Villans, it would be fair to say that now is as good a time as any for the Argentine to depart Villa Park.

Recent reports have credited Juventus with interest in a move for the former Arsenal man, as they look to finally fill the void left by the legendary Gianluigi Buffon eight years ago.

With that in mind, let's take a look at which goalkeepers Aston Villa could sign this summer, to replace their outgoing man.

James Trafford

The most obvious and likely candidate to replace 'Dibu' Martinez is Manchester City's James Trafford.

Widely regarded as one of the top goalkeeping prospects in the Premier League, Trafford has had a significant amount of first team experience in his short career so far, meaning that he could slot straight into the Villa side.

A strong shot stopper who is also adept with his feet, the former Burnley man would be an ideal modern goalkeeper for Unai Emery's system and is not short of suiters this summer.

The Citizens paid £27m to re-sign Trafford last summer, with a fee in the region of £30-35m reportedly set to be enough to secure his services this window.

Lucas Chevalier

After chasing his signature 12 months ago, Aston Villa could turn to Lucas Chevalier to replace Martinez this summer.

The 24 year-old Frenchman only joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain from Lille for around €40m last summer, but has found himself out of favour after losing his place to Matvei Safonov.

Prior to his switch to the French capital, Chevalier was held amongst the most promising goalkeepers in the world and a move to a club with lower expectation could be exactly what's needed to turn his career around.

Bart Verbruggen

After reportedly showing interest last summer, Brighton and Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen is reportedly high on Emery's wish list.

The Dutch goalkeeper has been a mainstay of the Seagulls' team since signing for the club in 2023 for €20m.

At just 23 years old, Verbruggen fits the age category that Aston Villa are looking to recruit in this summer, as they look to reduce their average squad age, which was the second highest in the Premier League last season.

Reports suggest that Brighton are set to play hard ball to keep hold of their number one, demanding a fee in the region of £50m.

Robin Risser

Following a sensational breakout season, in which he played a huge role in RC Lens finishing second in Ligue 1, French starlet Robin Risser has been linked with a switch to Villa Park.

The 21-year-old only joined Lens from Strasbourg last summer for a reported €3m, however - due to his exceptional season last campaign - he could be set for a big move abroad this window, with Lens expected to demand £34.5m for their stopper.

Conceding just 41 goals in 38 matches in all competitions last season, including 12 clean sheets, the France youth international has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs.

With a lack of first team experience beyond last season, Risser would be a risk for the Villans should they decide he is to be their number one next season, but there is no doubting that he would be a strong asset for the future of the club.

Guillaume Restes

Another name linked in the same mould as Risser, Toulouse's Guillaume Restes could be another long-term pick for the Villa number one shirt.

A five-cap senior France international, Restes has impressed over the course of the last three years for the French side, making over 100 senior first team appearances to date.

A product of the Toulouse academy, Restes would reportedly set any suitors back £20m for his signature, though this could prove to be a bargain for such a young goalkeeper.