Aston Villa targeting summer move for £40m Man City star

Aston Villa targeting summer move for £40m Man City star Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester City star James Trafford. Emiliano Martinez is Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, with the Argentine starting 28 Premier League matches. But the 33-year-old has had an uneasy relationship with the Midlands club since he failed to get his desired transfer last summer.

Martinez hoped to join Manchester United, Chelsea or Atletico Madrid, but a move didn’t materialise. The World Cup winner could still leave Villa Park this summer, despite his contract not expiring until 2029. According to The Times , Villa are monitoring Trafford as a potential replacement for Martinez.

The young goalkeeper rejoined City for an initial £27 million from Burnley last summer. But the Manchester club also brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is currently Pep Guardiola’s first-choice stopper. Trafford has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, with only three coming in the Premier League.

He has still impressed as City’s back-up keeper, making a stunning triple save to help his side win the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Trafford would be an impressive signing for Villa, as he is young, boasts exceptional shot-stopping ability and has strong distribution skills. But a transfer fee could be a major stumbling block, as City are likely to demand around £40 million to let their player leave this summer.