Aston Villa transfer news: Signing of potential Emiliano Martinez replacement confirmed

Aston Villa have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

Ever since Emiliano Martinez seemingly waved goodbye to supporters after the final home game of last season, speculation about his future has been rife.

The Argentina international has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs at a time when Villa are known to have struggled to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.

While the 32-year-old currently remains at Villa Park, Unai Emery has already moved to acquire the services of a player who could be viewed as a potential replacement.

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Who is Marco Bizot?

The 34-year-old has arrived for what Villa describe as an undisclosed fee. While no specific figure has been reported, it is expected to be a relatively low amount.

Bizot departs Brest having spent the last four seasons with the French side, making a total of 148 appearances in all competitions and helping them qualify for last year's Champions League.

He had previously been at AZ Alkmaar and has spent the last eight campaigns as number one at either the Eredivisie or Ligue 1 club.

Furthermore, Bizot is a one-cap Netherlands international, adding to the array of experience that he brings to the squad.

As it stands, it appears that Bizot is essentially replacing Robin Olsen, the veteran Swede having recently left on a free transfer.

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A change in transfer strategy for Villa?

Signing a 34-year-old goalkeeper for a cut-price fee should not be regarded as a surprise in many contexts, particularly when he had just a year left on his contract.

Nevertheless, Villa's president of football operations Monchi revealed earlier this week that Villa are not in a position to make big-money additions.

Therefore, this could be deemed to be a shrewd piece of business than merely targeting a goalkeeper of veteran status.

Bizot conceded 14 goals in nine Champions League appearances in 2024-24, nine of which came in games against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.