Aston Villa are starting to seriously prepare for the possibility of losing Emiliano Martinez this summer. Even so, there is still no certainty over where the Argentina international could end up.
The goalkeeper’s future has been surrounded by growing speculation for months. Saudi Arabia continue to hover in the background, and we recently covered that he is a dream signing in Argentina.
Martinez still has a contract until 2029. However, Villa’s recruitment department already appear focused on what the next step could look like.
According to Foot Mercato, the Premier League side have now identified two of Ligue 1’s most highly-rated young goalkeepers as possible successors. These are RC Lens’ Robin Risser and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Villa’s recruitment team seem to be pushing strongly in the French market. However, the two situations are viewed very differently behind the scenes.
Risser attracting huge attention
Robin Risser has emerged as one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 season after joining Lens from Strasbourg last summer.
The 21-year-old previously impressed on loan at Red Star in Ligue 2. He has quickly built a strong reputation in the top flight. Foot Mercato state Aston Villa are among the clubs following him closely after a campaign which has brought 10 clean sheets and only 33 goals conceded.
His rise has gone beyond club football. According to the French outlet, Risser is regularly watched by Didier Deschamps’ staff. His name is already circulating around the senior France setup.
That growing reputation creates a problem for Aston Villa. Lens are described as unwilling sellers, while Foot Mercato claim it would take a completely exceptional offer to force the French club into negotiations.
Transfermarkt currently values Risser at €25m (£21.4m), although Lens would almost certainly demand more.
The goalkeeper has already been linked with Tottenham and Newcastle in recent months as Premier League interest continues to grow.
However, the player himself has hinted he is not pushing for an exit. When asked recently about his future, Risser explained: “I don’t think I’ve reached the end of my journey here.”
Restes may offer easier solution
Guillaume Restes is viewed differently. The Toulouse goalkeeper is the same age as Risser, but already has far more senior experience. He has played over 100 professional matches, including 95 Ligue 1 appearances.
That experience has already made him one of the better-known young goalkeepers in France. He was also part of Thierry Henry’s Olympic squad which won silver at the 2024 Games.
Foot Mercato suggest Aston Villa could find this deal easier and quicker to complete than the Risser move. Toulouse are seen as more open to the possibility of a major sale, especially if Restes decides the time is right to leave his boyhood club.
Transfermarkt values the goalkeeper at €18m (£15.4m).
What happens next
The contrast between the two targets is already clear.
Risser is the breakout name. However, his rising profile and Lens’ stance make him a difficult operation.
Restes brings more experience and may represent the more realistic market opportunity for Aston Villa if movement around Martinez accelerates in the coming weeks.
