Juventus have spent all summer searching for a goalkeeper.
The departure of Michele Di Gregorio has left a significant void.
And after weeks of negotiations across multiple targets, one name has risen back to the top of the shortlist.
Emiliano Martinez.
And now, for the first time, the numbers are starting to make sense.
Juventus closing in on Emiliano Martinez as Aston Villa open the door
According to Gazetta.it, Juventus are making small but meaningful steps forward in their pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, with Aston Villa now signalling a willingness to reduce their asking price and the deal edging closer to viability for the first time.
The key detail in the breakthrough is a financial one.
Juventus have agreed personal terms with Martinez on a contract worth €5 million per season.
That part has been done for some time.
The sticking point has been the transfer fee.
Aston Villa initially demanded €10 million plus bonuses.
A figure Juventus considered excessive for a goalkeeper with two years remaining on his contract and approaching 33 years of age.
The Bianconeri wanted to pay no more than €5 million for his registration.
That gap has been the wall blocking progress for weeks.
Now, with Aston Villa signalling openness to a discount, the wall has a crack in it.
The timing is significant.
Villa have already been working on replacing Martinez
Suggesting the English club have accepted internally that a sale is now likely.
That readiness to plan beyond him changes the negotiating dynamic.
However, the pull of Italy and a club of Juventus’ stature is understood to be significant.
The World Cup is currently ongoing and he remains fully focused on proceedings in North America.
But his future has already been mapped.
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