Aston Villa Chief now sets out £40m Liverpool Star to replace Emi Martinez

According to a recent report, Aston Villa's hierarchy has now identified a “world-class” £40 million scorer to replace the goal this summer.

Emi Martinez looks to leave Aston Villa

The chances of playing Champions League football next season as Newcastle staggered at Arsenal, Villas beat Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend.

They make their way to the final game of the season because they know they need the biggest points to get the top five. In terms of the summer transfer window, ensuring Champions League football will help the central region as not only will there be more funds available, but it will also attract top stars.

However, it doesn't seem to matter where Villa ends this season. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez will leave the club this summer. It was reported that as players were preparing to leave the Premier League earlier this month, Unai Emery was preparing to sell Martinez. The report went on to add that teams from the Saudi Pro League are ready to make the Argentine goalkeeper a huge proposal to leave Villa Park.

Martinez has left Villa's departure over the past 72 hours as he appears to wave to Aston Villa fans in his final game of the season at Villa Park. Since then, both Manchester United and Barcelona have reportedly hope to sign the 32-year-old this summer.

Chief Aston Villa has identified £40m Liverpool Star to replace Martinez

So with Martinez's future in Villa Park, Villa is searching for potential replacements, and according to a Spanish report, Aston Villa is interested in signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.

The report notes that Villa has already looked for a future with the goal of not having Martinez as they waste their time trying to find potential replacements. Kelleher is said to be the target of Villa for his excellent performance at Liverpool, and despite his second choice at Anfield, Villa sees Kelleher as someone with potential and character.

However, they are not alone in showing interest in the Irish Republic International, as Premier League teams such as Bournemouth, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also interested.

The report is indeed to add that Villa is also interested in signing La Liga Side Espanyol's Joan Garcia, who will be considered a cheaper option as Liverpool has priced Kelleher for £40m until this summer.

The 26-year-old, dubbed “world class” by teammate Andy Robertson, has been at Liverpool since 2015 but has only 25 times in the Premier League as he struggled to lead Alisson and become the club's No. 1. Kelleher has been on contract until 2026, so Liverpool may sell this summer and then he hasn't left for 12 months.