Freiburg have rejected early enquiries for Noah Atubolu as Aston Villa continue to monitor the highly rated goalkeeper.
Villa, Bournemouth, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt are all credited with an interest in the 24-year-old.
Freiburg are reportedly pleased with Atubolu’s development, leadership and performances. The Bundesliga club therefore want to retain him and continue giving him regular opportunities.
However, reports from German transfer circles suggest an offer between €25m and €30m could force Freiburg to reconsider their position.
Villa’s interest was previously detailed by Sport Witness, which reported that the club were following Atubolu alongside Bournemouth.
No formal Villa offer has been reported.
Atubolu interest raises Martínez question
Atubolu developed through Freiburg’s academy before establishing himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.
He faced Villa in the Europa League final last season, with Unai Emery’s side winning 3-0 in Istanbul.
The German goalkeeper’s distribution and ability to defend outside his penalty area could suit Emery’s preferred approach. His age would also make him a potential long-term option at Villa Park.
Freiburg strengthened their goalkeeping department by signing Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen this summer. That move appeared to increase the possibility of Atubolu leaving, although the latest report suggests the club are prepared to retain both players.
Villa have meanwhile maintained that Emiliano Martínez is not available on unfavourable terms. ReadAstonVilla recently covered how the club closed the door on a proposed Juventus move.
Atubolu could be viewed as competition for Martínez or part of longer-term succession planning. Robin Olsen’s departure has also created space for another senior goalkeeper.
Freiburg’s stance leaves Villa with a decision. They can either meet the reported valuation or turn towards another option before rival interest becomes more concrete.
