Aston Villa have received confirmation that Juventus have ended their pursuit of Emiliano Martínez after deciding the deal would be too expensive.
Martinez’s Aston Villa future now appears considerably clearer, with Unai Emery’s side having maintained throughout the summer that they did not want to sell their first-choice goalkeeper.
BirminghamLive reports that Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Juventus formally informed Aston Villa that their pursuit is over because the overall costs of completing the transfer were considered too high.
The decision brings a significant summer transfer saga closer to an end after Juventus held talks with Martínez’s representatives and explored several possible structures with Villa.
Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa future becomes clearer
Juventus had made the Argentina international one of their leading goalkeeping targets.
ReadAstonVilla reported last week that Martínez’s representatives had held talks with Juventus, while Luciano Spalletti had also publicly acknowledged the Italian club’s interest.
However, reaching an agreement with Villa remained the major obstacle.
Reports in Italy claimed Juventus had discussed an initial loan and permanent transfer worth around €6.5million in total. Villa valued Martínez considerably higher and retained strong contractual leverage, with his current deal running until 2029.
Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany had already publicly ruled out a departure.
He said Martínez would remain at Villa Park and described the goalkeeper as an important part of the club’s plans for the new season.
Juventus have now seemingly accepted that position.
Martínez is yet to return fully to Villa’s pre-season preparations following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, but the collapse of Juventus’ pursuit removes the most persistent uncertainty surrounding his future.
Unless another club makes a late move, Emery can now plan for the Champions League campaign with Martínez remaining his number one.
