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Aston Villa<\/a> are now among the frontrunners to sign SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who could be brought in to replace Emiliano Martinez.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earlier this week, it was revealed Villa are now determined to keep hold of Martinez<\/a>, who has been valued at \u00a340m<\/a>, in light of his performances for Argentina at the World Cup, but should the 33-year-old move on, Atubolu could be a solid replacement.<\/p>\n In fact, Unai Emery<\/a>‘s current shot-stopper is an admirer of the Freiburg star. Speaking about the possibility of a penalty shoot-out ahead of last season’s Europa League final, he said<\/a>: “Their goalkeeper (Atubolu) is pretty good, so I will have to push myself even harder.”<\/em><\/p>\n The 24-year-old made 15 Europa League appearances for Freiburg on their way to finishing as runners-up, during which time he kept five clean sheets and conceded just 13 goals.<\/p>\n Over the past three seasons, the German has also established himself in the Bundesliga, making 94 appearances and keeping 26 clean sheets.<\/p>\n Lauded as “brilliant” by former Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken<\/a>, the Bundesliga star could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League<\/a>, and the Villans are well-placed to secure his signature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa’s talks to sign Atubolu are intensifying, as he is now set to leave Freiburg<\/a>, who are open to a departure this summer, and he is keen on a move to the Premier League.<\/p>\n The Bundesliga outfit are expected to hold out for around \u00a321m – \u00a326m, amid widespread interest from English clubs, but Villa and AFC Bournemouth have now emerged as the frontrunners.<\/p>\n It is unsurprising Emery’s side are eager to keep hold of Martinez, who is a seasoned international and vastly experienced in the Premier League, but there are some indications it could be the right time to sign the Freiburg shot-stopper.<\/p>\n Should Aston Villa sign Noah Atubolu or keep Emiliano Martinez?<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n Noah Atubolu<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Emiliano Martinez<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n Far younger at just 24-years-old<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Has made 228 Premier League appearances<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 26 league clean sheets across past three seasons, two more than Martinez<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Won just 1.75 tackles per game last season<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Keen on move to England, whereas Martinez wanted to leave last summer<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 70.9% save percentage last season, 6.7% more than Atubolu<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Would cost \u00a321m-26m, whereas Villa could sell their goalkeeper for \u00a340m<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Kept one more Europa League clean sheet than Atubolu<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Freiburg are open to a sale, so it is a good opportunity<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Experienced international, collecting 67 Argentina caps<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Atubolu is far from the only goalkeeper in Villa’s sights though, with Manchester City’s James Trafford<\/a> under consideration, after the Englishman struggled to receive consistent game time last season.<\/p>\n The Europa League winners are also primed to launch a move for Parma star Zion Suzuki<\/a>, who caught the eye for Japan at the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n Aston Villa stepping up talks to sign Noah Atubolu<\/strong>
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