Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Diogo Costa as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez should the Argentine international depart.
According to Team Talk, Diogo Costa is back on Aston Villa’s radar amid fresh doubts over Emiliano Martinez’s future. The latter is being linked with a move away from Villa Park this month, as the club are ready to make a move for the 26-year-old Portuguese International as his replacement.
Aston Villa are being creative in the transfer market in a bid to strengthen their squad, but they continue to sweat on the future of one of their mainstays. Emiliano Martinez seemed destined to leave the club last summer after heavy speculation surrounding his future then.
While he ended up staying put and playing a key role in their season so far, there are fresh doubts emerging about his immediate future. Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing the Argentine World Cup winner, although Unai Emery reportedly wants to keep him this month.
Martinez’s agents are in talks with Inter Milan, as a decision might be made in the coming days. Aston Villa want to be prepared in the eventuality of their No.1 keeper leaving this month, as they have a few replacements in mind, including Manchester City’s James Trafford.
Manchester City may not sell Trafford this month, especially to Villa, who are level on points with them in the Premier League standings. Meanwhile, Villa are seemingly keen on a more established stopper, and could revive their interest in 26-year-old Portuguese International Diogo Costa.
Diogo Costa to Aston Villa?
Back in the summer, as speculation surrounding Martinez was rife, the 26-year-old Portuguese International was their main target to replace the Argentine. Some reports stated, a move for Costa failed because Martinez could not find a way out of the club. There’s a feeling Aston Villa might have spoken to the FC Porto star’s camp previously, and could revive conversations over a move this month.
Porto are sure to demand a significant fee to sell Costa midway through the season, and such a move might only become a possibility if Martinez is sold for a reasonable price. It remains to be seen whether the Argentine departs, and in the case he does, the 26-year-old Portuguese International might be pursued as his replacement.
