Aston Villa‘s search for a long-term successor to Emiliano Martínez appears to be gathering pace as the club continue assessing some of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers.
Villa have been linked with several highly regarded names in recent weeks, including Man City’s James Trafford and Parma’s Zion Suzuki,
as uncertainty continues to surround Martinez’s future beyond the World Cup.
The Argentina international remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, and Villa need to prepare for life without one of Unai Emery‘s most influential players for the long-term even with rumours he could now stay at the club for this season.
Another name firmly on their radar is Toulouse sensation Guillaume Restes.
Aston Villa begin talks for Guillaume Restes amid key advantage
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Aston Villa have begun discussions with Toulouse over a potential move for Restes.
Their report states that the 20-year-old is attracting interest from several clubs, including Ipswich and Napoli, but Villa’s sporting project could prove decisive.
Restes is said to be prioritising the footballing side of any decision rather than simply chasing the biggest financial package available, and that could work heavily in Villa’s favour.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
L’Équipe is one of France’s most respected sports outlets, with strong access to Ligue 1 clubs, agents and national team sources. Their transfer reporting is generally reliable, especially on French-based players, though like all media they can occasionally lead on developing stories before deals are fully agreed or confirmed elsewhere. |
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Finances |
Restes is expected to cost at least £17 million due to his status as one of Ligue 1’s top young goalkeepers, with Toulouse holding a strong negotiating position. For Villa, that fee would be manageable under PSR and SCR rules, especially if Emiliano Martínez is sold, making Restes a strategic, long-term investment. |
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Insight |
Restes is a Toulouse academy graduate who broke into the first team as a teenager and quickly established himself as first-choice goalkeeper in Ligue 1. Known for shot-stopping, composure and distribution, he has already earned youth international recognition with France and is viewed as one of Europe’s brightest young goalkeeping prospects. |
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Impact |
The 20-year-old could offer Villa a long-term successor to Martínez with strong shot-stopping, calm distribution and modern sweeper-keeper qualities suited to Emery’s build-from-the-back system. His youth suggests high potential, while Champions League exposure would accelerate his growth even more. |
Champions League football, combined with expectations of challenging near the top end of the Premier League again under Emery, offers a compelling pathway for one of France’s brightest young goalkeepers.
Villa are also able to present a clear succession plan should Martinez depart, potentially giving Restes the opportunity to establish himself as the club’s long-term number one.
What Restes could bring to Aston Villa
Restes has developed rapidly since breaking into Toulouse’s first team.
A product of the club’s academy, he established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper while still in his teens and has continued to enhance his reputation with composed displays in Ligue 1.
Como scout Ben Mattinson branded Restes a ‘top’ and perhaps ‘undervalued’ talent between the sticks in 2025, with the player building on that campaign by keeping a clean sheet in nearly one third of his Ligue 1 appearances last term.
In 25/26, he was among the division’s busiest goalkeepers, regularly producing important saves behind a Toulouse side that often found itself under sustained pressure.
His shot-stopping, calmness in possession and confidence when sweeping behind the defensive line have all become major strengths, while his distribution has improved significantly under modern tactical demands.
Those qualities make him an ideal profile for Emery’s style of football.
If a deal can be agreed, Restes could represent one of Villa’s smartest long-term investments.
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