Aston Villa appear to be stepping up their search for a new first-choice goalkeeper as uncertainty continues to surround Emiliano Martinez’s future.
Villa have already been linked with several young goalkeepers in recent weeks, including Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes, who has emerged as another highly-rated option for the club’s recruitment team.
Another French talent has moved firmly into the picture as well.
Aston Villa to bid for RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser
According to L’Equipe journalist Loïc Tanzi, Villa are preparing to make their opening offer for Robin Risser, with the bid expected to arrive ‘soon’.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young goalkeeping prospects in French football after impressing at Lens last season, right after leaving Strasbourg in 2025 without making a single senior appearance.
Risser has steadily built his reputation at Lens, earning a call-up to the France squad for this summer’s World Cup as their third-choice behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
L’Équipe is widely regarded as one of France’s most reliable sports publications, particularly for domestic football and transfer news. Loïc Tanzi is one of its leading transfer reporters and has built a strong reputation for breaking stories involving French clubs and players. While no journalist is infallible, his reports are generally considered trustworthy and are frequently followed up by other respected outlets. |
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Finances |
From Villa’s perspective, the finances look manageable if the reported figures prove accurate. Risser has been valued at around £21-26m by some reports despite only joining Lens last year, meaning he would cost significantly less than many young, promising international goalkeepers. His wages are also expected to be modest by Premier League standards, making him an attractive long-term addition with room to grow rather than an expensive, ready-made replacement for Martinez. |
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Insight |
Risser has taken a patient route to senior football. After coming through Strasbourg’s academy, he gained valuable experience during loan spells with Dijon and Red Star before earning a move to Lens. The ex-France Under-21 international has built a reputation for sharp reflexes, composure in possession and steady development, making him one of French football’s ones to watch in terms of shot stoppers. |
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Impact |
Risser could fit seamlessly into Emery’s possession-based system. His calmness out from the back and confidence with both feet would suit Villa’s build-up play, while his age gives him significant potential to become a class keeper. Although replacing Martinez would bring pressure, Risser has the ability to grow into a dependable long-term Premier League number one. |
Those qualities have made him an attractive target for clubs looking to invest in a goalkeeper capable of developing into a long-term No.1.
Lens aren’t believed to be keen on letting him go after just one campaign, though, with Villa expected to test the waters with an opening bid for Risser to gauge the French club’s asking price.
Robin Risser’s profile and why Aston Villa want him
Dubbed ‘one of the most exciting goalkeepers in Europe‘ by pundits, Risser stands at a commanding 6 foot 4 and kept a clean sheet in one third of his total Ligue 1 appearances last term.
He also conceded just 35 goals over his 33 Ligue 1 outings, helping Lens to a surprise second-placed finish behind champions PSG.
Only Luis Enrique’s leaked fewer French top flight goals than Lens last term, and a lot of that is down to Risser’s presence between the sticks.
His profile also fits Villa’s current recruitment strategy.
Rather than replacing Martinez with another established veteran, the club appear keen to identify a younger goalkeeper who can grow under Emery while still possessing the ability to compete immediately in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has consistently shown a willingness to improve young players, particularly those comfortable in possession.
Modern goalkeepers are expected to do far more than simply stop shots, and Risser’s composure when building attacks from the back is another aspect believed to appeal to Villa’s recruitment staff.
Replacing Martinez is no easy task. Since arriving from Arsenal in 2020, the World Cup winner has established himself as one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers through his commanding presence, leadership and match-winning saves.
Any successor would face significant expectations from supporters.
However, Risser could prove to be a smart appointment if Villa complete the deal.