What next for Emi Martinez as Aston Villa close in on replacement?

However, Argentina's number one remained at Villa Park and helped spearhead the Villans to the Europa League title and Champions League qualification against the odds.

A year on, and the 33-year-old is in an almost identical situation, as he is yet again facing problems finding a new club after his proposed move to Juventus collapsed.

With Villa closing in on a replacement, the Argentine will surely leave before the transfer window closes, but what does the future hold for him?

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Aston Villa close in on Zion Suzuki as Emi Martinez's Juventus move collapses

After failing to seal a move away from Villa Park last summer, Martinez appeared destined for pastures new this time round, but is at a familiar juncture.

Yesterday, The Athletic revealed that Aston Villa had received a fresh bid from Juventus, with talks reducing the price gap between the clubs, while personal terms were not thought to be an issue.

However, the Old Lady have since decided against the move and are now closing in on Tottenham shotstopper Guglielmo Vicario, who is due in Turin today for a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.

David Ornstein also reports that the West Midlands club have reached an agreement with Parma for Japan's World Cup star Zion Suzuki, who will be Unai Emery's number one regardless of what happens with Martinez.

The Villans have tracked Suzuki for two years, and he is set to sign a five-year deal at Villa Park in a move that is expected to be worth up to £35million.

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Where does Martinez go from here?

With Juventus opting against signing Martinez due to concerns about the economics of the deal and the player's fitness, it leaves the goalkeeper in a sticky situation.

There is no doubting his ability, but his age, cost and fitness issues are holding him back from securing the move he wants.

The 33-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract, which is why Villa want to yield a respectable fee for a World Cup winner and two-time Yashin Trophy recipient.

While Martinez was reportedly willing to budge on his wages to secure a transfer to Juventus, he would represent an expensive outlay for someone of his age, meaning a move across Europe would be difficult.

Last summer, Manchester United were heavily linked with the Argentine, but they opted for the youth and cheaper option of Senne Lammens as a safer choice.

One move that would surely be on the table for Martinez would be to Saudi Arabia, which would suit Villa as they could garner the fee they desire while the keeper could reap the financial rewards himself.

Of course, the former Arsenal man could still stay at Villa Park, but that situation would not help the club or player as his value would only decrease.

Whatever happens, finding a solution to this complex situation will not be fast, and Martinez now faces a race against time to secure not only his future but first-team football.

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