Aston Villa Want £40M Goalkeeper As Martinez’s Replacement: Why Do They Need To Act Fast?
Aston Villa Want £40M Goalkeeper As Martinez’s Replacement: Why Do They Need To Act Fast? Aston Villa have identified Manchester City’s James Trafford as a priority summer transfer target, with the club actively preparing for the possibility that Emiliano Martinez, 33-years-old, departs Villa Park at the end of this season. Martinez’s relationship with the club has been strained since last year, after his wish to secure a move away went unfulfilled.
The Argentine even enlisted agent Jorge Mendes to try and engineer an exit to Manchester United , Chelsea , or Atletico Madrid, but no deal materialised. His future now looks uncertain heading into the summer window. Trafford finds himself in an uncomfortable spot at City Trafford made the £27 million move back to Manchester City last summer after an excellent Championship season with Burnley.
He joined with the expectation that he would become City’s number one following Ederson’s departure. However, the late signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain pushed Trafford out of the starting XI, restricting him to cup appearances rather than the regular Premier League football he wanted. Across just three Premier League outings this season, Trafford conceded four goals, kept one clean sheet, and posted a save percentage of 73.
33%. He faced 15 shots and stopped 11, with his team conceding a goal every 68 minutes while he was in net. He did, however, lead City to a 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal in March, reminding the market exactly what he can do.
Manchester City reportedly want to keep him for the 2026-27 season, but they won’t stand in his way if he pushes to leave. Why do Aston Villa need to act fast? LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: James Trafford of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Final match Arsenal and between Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England.