The rumour mill around the Allianz Stadium has churned out a fascinating subplot this week. GoalZaza sources in Italy have confirmed that Juventus hav...
The rumour mill around the Allianz Stadium has churned out a fascinating subplot this week. GoalZaza sources in Italy have confirmed that Juventus have reached a full contractual agreement with Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup winning shot stopper has been convinced by the project in Turin. But here is the catch for those thinking this is a done deal: the Bianconeri want him on a free transfer.Let that sink in for a moment. Juventus, a club that has historically spent significant sums on top talent, are attempting to prize away Aston Villa's most valuable asset without paying a single euro in transfer fees. It reeks of the kind of audacious financial chicanery we have come to expect from the Old Lady in recent windows. But can they pull it offMartinez is no ordinary custodian. He is a man who commands his area with a snarling presence, a master of the psychological battle during penalty shootouts, and a goalkeeper whose distribution and shot stopping have turned Villa into a side capable of breaking the top four. For Unai Emery to sanction a departure without receiving a substantial fee would be footballing malpractice. Yet, the word from Turin is that the player's representatives are exploring every contractual loophole to force a Bosman style departure.The logic for Juventus is clear. They need a long term heir to Wojciech Szczesny, and Martinez fits the profile of a leader at the back. His ability to organise a defence and sweep behind a high line would afford Thiago Motta's side greater tactical flexibility. But the economic reality in Serie A means that big fees are now negotiated with extreme caution. Why pay 40 million when you can wait and nick him for nothingVilla find themselves in a squeaky bum position. Martinez is their talisman, the man who dragged them into Europe. To lose him, particularly without recompense, would be a catastrophic blow to their ambitions. Expect Emery to dig his heels in and demand a substantial figure, but if the player's head has been turned, this could get messy. For now, the ball is in Villa's court. Do they cash in now, or risk losing their golden gloves for nothing The answer will define their January window.
