Vicario Loan Approach Blocked
Juventus have shifted their focus to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after Tottenham Hotspur rejected an approach for Guglielmo Vicario. The North London club dismissed the Italian side’s proposal to take the Italy international on loan without an obligation to buy, closing one avenue in the Bianconeri’s search for a new number one.
Vicario has established himself as Spurs’ first-choice keeper since arriving from Empoli, making him difficult to dislodge. Tottenham’s refusal to entertain a temporary arrangement without a compulsory permanent purchase clause has forced Juventus to look elsewhere in the market.
Martínez Negotiations Underway
The Turin club have now lodged a formal bid for World Cup winner Martínez, offering €7 million plus €3 million in performance-related bonuses. Aston Villa value the Argentine at €10 million, leaving a modest gap that sources close to the negotiations describe as bridgeable.
Villa’s willingness to sell stems from their advanced talks to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma. The Japan international’s proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed recently, allowing the Midlands club to step in and secure his signature. Suzuki’s arrival would provide immediate cover between the posts should Martínez depart for Serie A.
Medical Concerns and Timeline
One complication remains Martínez’s fitness. The goalkeeper played through a finger injury during Argentina’s World Cup campaign and may yet require surgery to correct the problem. Juventus medical staff will need to assess the extent of the issue before any transfer is finalised.
Directors Carnevali and Massara are operating under strict budgetary constraints but hope to reach an agreement within the next 48 hours. With the new season approaching, securing an experienced replacement has become an urgent priority for the Italian club.