Why Juventus Targeted Vicario After Emiliano Martínez Talks Stalled
Juventus’ search for a goalkeeper reflects two different transfer strategies. Emiliano Martínez offered experience, major-tournament pedigree and immediate authority. Guglielmo Vicario represented a younger, potentially more flexible alternative with long-term resale value.
Reports in Italy and England have linked Juventus with both goalkeepers during the summer window. Sky Sports identified Martínez and Vicario as targets while Juventus looked for competition in goal. Later reporting indicated that negotiations for Martínez had stalled, leaving Vicario as one of the club’s preferred alternatives. The exact structure of any proposed Vicario deal remained subject to club agreement.
Martínez brings proven authority
Martínez joined Aston Villa in 2020 after leaving Arsenal and quickly became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Aston Villa has credited him with setting strong clean-sheet records, while his performances for Argentina helped him win the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup.
The Argentine’s appeal goes beyond shot-stopping. He commands his penalty area, performs under pressure and has extensive experience in high-stakes matches. Those qualities would make him a natural short-term solution for a Juventus side seeking an established No. 1.
Age and cost complicate the calculation. Martínez turned 33 in September 2025, according to Premier League records, so Juventus would be paying for immediate performance rather than a long development cycle. A sizeable transfer fee or salary would make the move harder to justify if the club’s financial priorities favor younger players.
Vicario offers a different fit
Vicario moved from Empoli to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023. Tottenham’s official profile describes him as an Italy international who had made 117 appearances for the club in all competitions by the end of the 2025–26 campaign.
His first Premier League season showed why elite clubs noticed him. Tottenham said he played every league minute in 2023–24 and made 110 saves. Vicario is comfortable beginning attacks with his feet, an important trait for teams that build from the back, while his athleticism allows him to cover difficult angles close to goal.
At 29, he is not a developmental gamble in the usual sense. He has already played in England’s top division and for Italy, but he could still offer Juventus several prime seasons and retain more market value than Martínez. A loan with an option to buy, if agreed, would also reduce the immediate financial risk for Juventus.
What the choice says about Juventus
The contrast is straightforward:
| Goalkeeper | Main attraction | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Martínez | Experience and leadership | Age and overall cost |
| Guglielmo Vicario | Age, distribution and flexibility | Adaptation to Serie A and transfer terms |
Juventus’ existing first-team goalkeepers included Mattia Perin, Michele Di Gregorio and Carlo Pinsoglio in the club’s official squad listing. Targeting another goalkeeper therefore suggests a desire to raise competition for the starting role rather than simply fill an empty position.
For Tottenham, a Vicario departure would create a significant vacancy after three seasons as a regular starter. For Aston Villa, the collapse of talks over Martínez would preserve a key player but leave the club facing an uncertain transfer situation if the goalkeeper still seeks a move.
The important point is that Vicario was not merely a fallback name. His age, Premier League experience and distribution made him a structurally different investment from Martínez—one that could suit Juventus if negotiations over the Argentine proved too expensive or difficult.
Sources
- Juventus transfer news: Aston Villa's Emi Martinez and Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario emerge as goalkeeper targets for Italian giants
- Guglielmo Vicario | Tottenham Hotspur
- Vicario completes ever-present Premier League season
- Martínez celebrates Golden Glove Award
- Emiliano Martínez Stats This Season & Career Statistics
- Roster - Juventus Men's First Team Squad