Dibu Martinez has found a new team: he’s signed a two-year contract
Emiliano Martinez has left Aston Villa. The arrival of Zion Suzuki from Parma has further reduced the Argentine goalkeeper’s playing time on the team coached by Unai Emery. In recent hours, officials at the Birmingham club have reached an agreement with Chelsea to transfer the goalkeeper for 7.5 million pounds.
“Dibu,” who until just a few days ago had been courted by Juventus, has given his consent to the deal and has reached an agreement with the Blues on a two-year contract, with an option for a third season. Medical exams are scheduled for the coming hours, followed by the signing of the new contract.
Negotiations with the Bianconeri, which had actually picked up momentum at one point, ultimately stalled for a number of reasons. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Juventus had gone so far as to submit an official offer of 7 million euros plus 3 million in bonuses, significantly narrowing the gap with Aston Villa’s asking price, which stood at 10 million in fixed pay. However, what ultimately put the brakes on the Piedmontese club’s pursuit was the Argentine’s physical condition, as he is dealing with a chronic finger injury and the real possibility of needing surgery. Faced with the costs of the procedure and the uncertainties surrounding the player’s physical durability, Juventus management decided to shift its focus.
Juventus had already come a long way before seriously exploring the possibility of signing Martinez. The Turin-based club had been turned down by Alisson, who remained at Liverpool, and by Mile Svilar, whom Roma deemed unsellable despite a 40-million-euro offer. Mike Maignan had also been approached without success. At the same time, the trail leading to Zion Suzuki had long seemed promising: PSG and Parma had reached an agreement worth approximately 35 million euros for the Japanese goalkeeper, with the deal subsequently providing for a straight loan to Juventus for one season. However, on August 15, the demands made by the player’s agents had irritated the French club, which decided to halt negotiations, thus paving the way for Aston Villa to sign Suzuki.
In the end, Juventus chose to go with Guglielmo Vicario. The Tottenham goalkeeper, who has long been at the top of the Bianconeri’s list, is open to a return to Serie A and has already reached a personal agreement with Spalletti’s club. The deal the two clubs are working on is a loan with an option to buy set at around 15 million euros. For Martinez, meanwhile, a new chapter in his career is now beginning in London—at Chelsea.
