Aston Villa are seeking to move on from Emi Martinez during the closing fortnight of the summer transfer window as they complete the acquisition of Zion Suzuki from Parma.
Suzuki will arrive at Villa in a package potentially worth £30 million and take over as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite Martinez’s proposed switch to Juventus collapsing on Sunday.
The Argentina international had been aiming to move to Manchester United 12 months ago, but instead chose to focus on establishing himself as a Villa great by playing a pivotal part in the club’s Europa League victory, while Unai Emery’s side also secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Now, with the summer window countdown underway, Martinez’s potential destinations seem limited, though a handful of possibilities remain.
Moving overseas appears to be his favoured option, particularly given the scarcity of Premier League suitors. Reports indicate Chelsea have no intention of making a move for him.
Tottenham Hotspur may represent the only other realistic English destination, having signed Guglielmo Vicario for Juventus instead.
In Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona both possess strong goalkeeping options, as does Atletico Madrid, unless Diego Simeone wishes to part ways with Jan Oblak, who is the same age as Martinez.
A switch to Ligue 1 would almost certainly be ruled out despite Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in acquiring a new goalkeeper this summer, with Villa-bound Suzuki having previously been a primary target for the French champions. This is due to Martinez being viewed as public enemy number one in France following his behaviour at the 2022 World Cup.
Bundesliga clubs would struggle to meet the wages Martinez would require, with the exception of Bayern Munich, though Manuel Neuer continues to perform at a high level at 40 years of age.
Where Martinez could attract genuine interest in the closing weeks of the window is Italy, even after Juventus abandoned their pursuit of him.
Italian champions Inter allowed first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer to depart for Club Brugge this summer and have recruited former Lazio keeper Ivan Provedel for €3 million, though Martinez’s availability could potentially alter their plans.
Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas’ Como have been pushing hard in the transfer market over recent years and, with Champions League football on offer, could perhaps present Martinez with an attractive proposition.
Beyond Europe’s top five divisions, Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray could revisit their interest in Martinez after their late pursuit of him last summer.
The Argentina number one had been unwilling to join 12 months ago, though given his limited alternatives, that switch along with a substantial salary could prove tempting.
It also remains uncertain whether Martinez would consider joining a club in Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, where he would reunite with Lionel Messi.