Juventus boss says Emi Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa in fresh transfer twist

Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez remains a player with an uncertain future after a comment from Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti appeared to cast further mystery on where he will start the season.

They continue to be linked heavily with Martinez now the World Cup is over, despite Villa stating Martinez will stay at Villa Park this summer,.

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After Juve's latest pre-season friendly win against Standard Liège, Spalletti was asked about the interest in Martinez by reporters.

La Gazzetta dello Sport quotes him as stating: ""Dibu Martinez? He's a goalkeeper who wants to change teams, and we're looking for competitiveness," he explained, "but right now we have two..."

Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali has already made it clear Martinez is a summer transfer target, saying earlier this month: “Martinez is playing (at the World Cup) so we have to wait and see.

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"He is a goalkeeper who interests us. However, I reiterate what I said earlier regarding Juventus: there could be many opportunities.

“We need to evaluate things carefully, especially right now, given that the valuations for some players are excessively high - unrealistic figures.”

Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany, however, has stated Martinez, who suffered World Cup final heartbreak with Argentina against Spain, is going nowhere.

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“The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany said.

“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.

“All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position.

“Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his teammates.”

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