Juventus Forced to Look Beyond Martinez, Target Vicario and Atubolu

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | The Aston Villa and Martinez stalemate forces Juventus to consider Vicario and Atubolu as the Bianconeri struggle to finalize a deal for Emiliano Martinez. Despite agreeing personal terms with the Argentine World Cup finalist, Juventus have hit a wall in negotiations with Aston Villa, who demand at least €12 million for the 33-year-old goalkeeper. The impasse has reportedly led Juventus to explore alternatives, notably Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu.

Juventus have been searching for a new goalkeeper after an underwhelming season from Michele Di Gregorio, and Martinez was identified as the top target. However, the Aston Villa and Martinez stalemate forces Juventus to consider Vicario and Atubolu because the Premier League side remains inflexible on their asking price. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are unwilling to match the €12 million valuation, and the only hope is that Martinez himself can convince Aston Villa to lower their demands when he returns from World Cup duty. But with Martinez expected to take an extended break after reaching the World Cup final, a resolution may be weeks away.

As time ticks, Juventus are re-evaluating their options. Guglielmo Vicario, currently at Tottenham, is a name familiar to Italian football, while Noah Atubolu of Freiburg has emerged as a new candidate. The 24-year-old German is entering the final year of his contract, making him a potentially affordable target. Other names mentioned include Zion Suzuki from Parma and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from Napoli.

The Aston Villa and Martinez stalemate forces Juventus to consider Vicario and Atubolu not only due to financial constraints but also timing. With the pre-season window narrowing, Juventus cannot afford to wait indefinitely. CEO Giovanni Carnevali is reportedly leading the search for alternatives, and Vicario is seen as a reliable Serie A-experienced option, while Atubolu represents a younger, long-term investment.

This development comes as a surprise to many, as Martinez was considered the perfect fit for Juventus. His experience, leadership, and World Cup pedigree made him an ideal candidate. However, the Aston Villa and Martinez stalemate forces Juventus to consider Vicario and Atubolu, indicating a shift in strategy. If neither Vicario nor Atubolu materializes, Juventus may have to look elsewhere, but the clock is ticking.

In conclusion, the stalled negotiation between Aston Villa and Juventus over Emiliano Martinez has opened the door for other goalkeepers. As the summer transfer window progresses, Juventus must act decisively. Whether they secure Vicario, Atubolu, or another target, the Bianconeri are determined to bolster their goalkeeping department. The Aston Villa and Martinez stalemate forces Juventus to consider Vicario and Atubolu, and fans will be watching closely to see who lands in Turin.