The goalkeeping merry go round in Turin just took another sharp turn. Word filtering out of Continassa, picked up by GoalZaza, suggests that Aston Vil...
The goalkeeping merry go round in Turin just took another sharp turn. Word filtering out of Continassa, picked up by GoalZaza, suggests that Aston Villa have effectively locked the door on any deal for Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup winner, central to Unai Emery's project at Villa Park, is not for sale. Full stop. That verdict has forced Juventus to immediately reshuffle their deck, a move that speaks volumes about the urgency in the Bianconeri boardroom.So where does that leave Max Allegri The club's number one target is now a rapidly evolving dual track. GoalZaza understands that talks have resumed with both Zion Suzuki and Guglielmo Vicario. Suzuki, the young Japanese prospect, represents the long term vision. He is raw, athletic, and would benefit immensely from the tactical rigour of the Italian game. But he is not ready to start between the sticks at the Allianz Stadium next August. That is where Vicario enters the equation. The Empoli shot stopper has quietly become one of the most reliable distributors in Serie A, capable of playing out from the back with a composure that occasionally eluded Wojciech Szczesny last season.There is, of course, a glaring tactical question here. Allegri's system, especially in big moments, often relies on a deep defensive block and direct transitional play. That demands a goalkeeper who can command his six yard box and produce big saves on demand. Martinez offered both that presence and a proven winning mentality. Vicario offers tidy feet and good reflexes, but can he handle the psychological weight of a Scudetto run and the noise of a Champions League knockout tie That is the gamble. Suzuki is an even bigger leap into the unknown.The irony is not lost on the Juventus faithful. After years of relying on a veteran wall in Szczesny and a veteran maestro in Buffon before him, the club now finds itself hunting for a custodian in a market that is both unpredictable and expensive. Villa have squeezed this dynamic perfectly. By pricing Martinez out of reach, they have forced Juventus into a choice between a promising understudy and a solid but unspectacular deputy. For a club that prides itself on defensive solidity, that is the definition of squeaky bum time in the boardroom.Allegri will be hoping for clarity before the pre season tour begins. A goalkeeper is the foundation of any title challenge, and right now, the Bianconeri foundation looks anything but settled. The chase continues, but the direction of travel is suddenly a lot less certain.
