Aston Villa are now among the frontrunners to sign SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who could be brought in to replace Emiliano Martinez.
Earlier this week, it was revealed Villa are now determined to keep hold of Martinez, who has been valued at £40m, in light of his performances for Argentina at the World Cup, but should the 33-year-old move on, Atubolu could be a solid replacement.
In fact, Unai Emery‘s current shot-stopper is an admirer of the Freiburg star. Speaking about the possibility of a penalty shoot-out ahead of last season’s Europa League final, he said: “Their goalkeeper (Atubolu) is pretty good, so I will have to push myself even harder.”
The 24-year-old made 15 Europa League appearances for Freiburg on their way to finishing as runners-up, during which time he kept five clean sheets and conceded just 13 goals.
Over the past three seasons, the German has also established himself in the Bundesliga, making 94 appearances and keeping 26 clean sheets.
Lauded as “brilliant” by former Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken, the Bundesliga star could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, and the Villans are well-placed to secure his signature.
Aston Villa stepping up talks to sign Noah Atubolu
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa’s talks to sign Atubolu are intensifying, as he is now set to leave Freiburg, who are open to a departure this summer, and he is keen on a move to the Premier League.
The Bundesliga outfit are expected to hold out for around £21m – £26m, amid widespread interest from English clubs, but Villa and AFC Bournemouth have now emerged as the frontrunners.
It is unsurprising Emery’s side are eager to keep hold of Martinez, who is a seasoned international and vastly experienced in the Premier League, but there are some indications it could be the right time to sign the Freiburg shot-stopper.
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Should Aston Villa sign Noah Atubolu or keep Emiliano Martinez? |
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|---|---|
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Noah Atubolu |
Emiliano Martinez |
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Far younger at just 24-years-old |
Has made 228 Premier League appearances |
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26 league clean sheets across past three seasons, two more than Martinez |
Won just 1.75 tackles per game last season |
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Keen on move to England, whereas Martinez wanted to leave last summer |
70.9% save percentage last season, 6.7% more than Atubolu |
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Would cost £21m-26m, whereas Villa could sell their goalkeeper for £40m |
Kept one more Europa League clean sheet than Atubolu |
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Freiburg are open to a sale, so it is a good opportunity |
Experienced international, collecting 67 Argentina caps |
Aston Villa’s other goalkeeper targets
Atubolu is far from the only goalkeeper in Villa’s sights though, with Manchester City’s James Trafford under consideration, after the Englishman struggled to receive consistent game time last season.
The Europa League winners are also primed to launch a move for Parma star Zion Suzuki, who caught the eye for Japan at the World Cup.
