Juventus pivot to Martinez after Alisson deal collapses

Juventus target – Juventus have shifted their search to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after missing out on Liverpool’s Alisson, with a move likely hinging on whether Villa can hold the Argentina No 1 or protect their valuation. Meanwhile, Juventus keep options open f

When Juventus started chasing Liverpool’s Alisson, the pursuit looked like it could hinge on one simple belief: the Brazilian wanted a return to Italy. That hope has now run into a wall, and Juventus have moved their attention to Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

The shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. Villa have been planning for the possibility that the Argentina No 1 could leave. and there is a clear reason for their caution. The goalkeeper will be 33 this year. and he nearly made a dramatic switch last year when he was close to leaving for Manchester United.

Juventus’ interest in Martinez now comes down to numbers. Much will depend on whether the Italians can get anywhere near Villa’s valuation for the 33-year-old. Villa. for their part. have been ready with contingencies. including reported interest in Manchester City’s England goalkeeper James Trafford. should Martinez be tempted away.

The contrast with Liverpool is striking. Juventus had targeted Alisson initially because they were convinced he wanted the move and because they believed a deal could be reached even with just one year left on his contract. Liverpool’s stance is firmer than that window suggests. They are not in a position to spend big on a replacement. they’re looking to direct their budget toward other priority positions. and they have told Alisson that they want him to stay—while expecting the 33-year-old to run his contract down.

Alisson’s relationship with the club has also mattered. Despite the attraction of returning to Italy—where he played under Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti when Spalletti was in charge at Roma—Alisson has had injury issues and still has shown loyalty to Liverpool. The result is that the decision didn’t have to be dramatic; he had no desire to rock the boat.

If Juventus want to move quickly, Villa’s preparations show the other side of this equation. Should Martinez depart, Villa are looking at James Trafford as a successor. There is also an understanding that the market will keep turning—because Juventus themselves have kept multiple pathways open.

Juventus had considered Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earlier in their planning, but that move never got off the ground. As an alternative option to Martinez, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario remains in the conversation. Vicario had been involved in talks with Inter Milan earlier in the year, but those discussions have since moved on. Juventus have also discussed Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. who can leave for a £5m clause. and their current preference is said to be Lazio’s Ivan Provedel.

What ties the whole goalkeeper chase together is timing: Juventus believed they could land Alisson because of contract length and desire. Liverpool pushed back because of budget priorities and a clear plan to keep him. and now the attention has shifted to Martinez—where Villa’s valuation will decide how realistic any offer is. If it doesn’t land. both clubs already have backup names lined up. but the next domino falls on whether Villa can stop their star goalkeeper from taking the next step.

For Juventus, the Europa League winners’ summer recruitment plan now runs through Martinez rather than Alisson. For Villa. the question is whether they can hold on to the player they anticipate might be tempted again—this time away from England. and potentially under a Juventus bid that can test their valuation.

Juventus Aston Villa Emiliano Martinez Liverpool Alisson James Trafford Guglielmo Vicario Jordan Pickford Kepa Arrizabalaga Ivan Provedel transfer news