Mansion Sports – Aston Villa and Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has once again become the center of attention regarding his future at club level following a surprising statement from Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Although Aston Villa have firmly assured that Martinez is absolutely not for sale during this summer transfer window, Juventus continue to openly demonstrate strong interest in signing the goalkeeper.

Luciano Spalletti Makes a Claim About Martinez's Transfer

Following Juventus' victory in a preseason friendly on Sunday, Spalletti responded to the ongoing rumors regarding his club's interest in Martinez.

As quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti suggested that Martinez is actively seeking a move to another club.

Spalletti told reporters:

"Dibu Martinez? He is a goalkeeper who wants to change teams, and we are looking for competition, but at the moment we have two..."

The statement contradicts Aston Villa's official position, having signed Martinez from Arsenal for a transfer fee of €17.4 million in 2020.

Since joining Aston Villa, Martinez has made 256 appearances and recorded 80 clean sheets.

He also recently helped the club win the 2025–2026 UEFA Europa League title. Martinez remains under contract until 2029, but Juventus appear unwilling to end their pursuit of the goalkeeper.

Juventus Continue to Evaluate Transfer Options

Juventus Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Carnevali also confirmed that the club continue to monitor Martinez's situation before the goalkeeper experienced disappointment following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Carnevali explained:

"Martinez is playing (at the World Cup), so we have to wait and see. He is a goalkeeper who interests us. However, I repeat what I have said before regarding Juventus: there could be many opportunities."

"We have to evaluate everything carefully, especially at this moment, considering that the value of some players has become too high—figures that are unrealistic."

Martinez has earned 67 appearances for the Argentina national team and possesses an impressive list of achievements, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles, further strengthening his transfer value.

Aston Villa Firmly Intend to Keep Martinez

Despite the various speculation coming from Italy, Aston Villa remain determined to keep Martinez, who was named Aston Villa's Player of the Year in 2024.

Aston Villa Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany had previously ruled out any possibility of Martinez leaving in the near future.

Vidagany said:

"Our goalkeeper's future is clear, he will remain with us, and we have no intention of letting him leave this summer."

"The team needs his contribution and vast experience, and he is a very important part of our project for next season."

"All the reports published by the media regarding his move to Juventus do not reflect the club's true position."

"Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering outstanding performances alongside his teammates."

What Comes Next for Emiliano Martinez?

Aston Villa will focus on reintegrating Martinez into the squad ahead of the start of next season's domestic competition after the player completes his summer break.

With Aston Villa maintaining their firm stance on keeping Martinez, Juventus must now decide whether to test the English club's resolve with a substantial official offer or shift their attention to another target.

The coming weeks will determine whether this transfer saga continues to develop before the transfer window officially closes.