Aston Villa are ready to step up their pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, amid growing fears of Emiliano Martinez’s disappearance.
Villans is one of several Premier League clubs chasing a deal for the 23-year-old in the summer. Juventus are also said to be very interested in bringing him to Serie A.
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Young Trafford is unhappy with his role at Manchester City, and sources say that Unai Emery and co. see him as a ready-made replacement for Martinez – if the Argentine moves on before next season.
Trafford – “top youngster” with great potential
Trafford is seen as a “top young goalkeeper” by the management at Villa Park. Their recruitment team is ready to start pushing for a deal on necessity.
Villa’s transfer plans are set to strengthen ahead of their likely return to the Champions League next season. The club is determined to have a top goalkeeper in the squad.
Expecting Inter bid for Emi Martinez
Martinez has regularly been linked with a farewell from Aston Villa in recent years. He also seemed to be on his way out last summer – but still stayed.
This time, however, it could be a completely different story. Inter Milan are very eager to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.
The Italian giants have identified the Argentine as an ideal replacement for veteran Yann Sommer, who is expected to leave San Siro at the end of the season.
Football Insider revealed last week that Villa expect a bid for Martinez from Inter. The “Nerazzurri” believe that the World Cup winner will “tick a lot of boxes” for them.
| Statistics | Martinez | Trafford |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 29 | 3 |
| Kept a clean sheet | 7 | 1 |
| Save percentage | 72 % | 73,3 % |
| Saves per 90 | 2,98 | 3,67 |
| Goals prevented | 4,25 | 1,89 |
| Goals conceded per 90 | 1,16 | 1,33 |
Trafford’s Premier League stats for 2025-26 compared to Martinez. Source: Fotmob.
The 33-year-old Martínez has been one of the Premier League’s all-time leading goalkeepers in recent seasons. Villa is fully aware that it will require a signing of the big ones to fill his shoes.
How much does Villa have to pay for Trafford?
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider last week that City will sell Trafford for around £40 million this summer. His permanent exit looks increasingly likely.
The youngster is not content to be a backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium. The club is willing to fulfill his desire for a transfer this summer – if a suitable offer comes in.
City spent £31 million to bring the former Burnley goalkeeper back to the club last summer. Now, they are expected to seek a small profit on that investment to approve a sale.
With that in mind, Borson expects it will take a bid of around £40 million to tempt his former club to make a move. Such is Trafford’s growing reputation in football Europe.
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