Juventus have accept defeat in their pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker with the Seria A side now shifting their focus towards Emiliano Martinez.
Having been tracking Alisson for the past few months, Juventus will have to seek another alternative due to Liverpool’s stance on their goalkeeper.
Although the Brazilian goalkeeper reportedly reached a personal agreement with the Serie A giants several months ago, Liverpool have insist he’s not for sale this summer, and have triggered a 12-month contract extension.
The Premier League club are keen to preserve stability within the squad following the departures of several senior figures.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez has been linked with Juventus (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Given this situation, Juventus has begun exploring alternative solutions in the transfer market.
According to Gazzetta, Martinez has emerged as the Juventus new primary alternative.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper is open to a new challenge away from Villa Park. At 33 years old, Martinez fits the profile of experience and winning mentality requested by Luciano Spalletti to lead the Juventus backline for the upcoming season.
Currently valued at approximately €20 million, a bill Juventus will have no problem sorting out, Martinez’s salary will pose a big threat to the deal.
Martinez currently earns a net salary of €6 million per year, a figure that represents the main obstacle for the Turin side as they look to balance their wage bill while seeking a world-class goalkeeper.
Aside Martinez, Juventus are also monitoring Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario.
The 29-year-old has been vocal about his desire to return to Serie A. He also fits in with Juventus budget as he’s valuation sits around the €20 million mark.
Crucially, his salary demands – estimated between €3 million and €4 million annually – are significantly more aligned with the financial parameters currently set by the Juventus board compared to Martinez.
Juventus are expected to intensify their search for a new goalkeeper in the next few weeks and it’s still unknown who will be the chosen one.
