Aston Villa Target £20m French Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing £20m French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes as a replacement for Emiliano Martínez. The 21-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 with Toulouse, featuring in 33 league matches and keeping nine clean sheets.
Restes has already collected close to 100 Ligue 1 appearances, a remarkable return for a goalkeeper who only turned 21 this year. He continues to represent France at Under-21 level and remains firmly on Zidane's radar for a future senior international call-up. With uncertainty surrounding Martínez's future, Villa appear keen to move before competition for the young goalkeeper intensifies.
Why Aston Villa Should Back Restes
Replacing Martínez is about far more than replacing a goalkeeper. Villa would lose a dressing-room leader, a World Cup winner and one of the Premier League's biggest personalities. That's exactly why chasing a direct copy feels like the wrong move. Restes brings a different profile. He plays with real composure, accepts possession inside his own penalty area and rarely looks rushed when opponents press aggressively.
Emery asks his side to build attacks from the goalkeeper, and Restes already performs that role every week. His passing isn't flashy. It's clean, measured and consistently accurate, which matters far more. Then comes his shot-stopping. He reacts sharply from close range, reads one-against-one situations with confidence and stays committed instead of retreating towards his goal line. Toulouse often defended high enough to expose him, yet he dealt with those moments impressively across another demanding Ligue 1 campaign.
Questions about Premier League experience are perfectly fair. English football places goalkeepers under constant pressure from crosses, second balls and physical forwards. Every young keeper needs time to adjust. Even so, Restes has already handled responsibilities that many goalkeepers don't receive until their mid-twenties. That shouldn't be dismissed.
Aston Villa Would Secure Long-term Value
A fee of £20 million feels sensible in the current market. Goalkeepers with similar potential usually command considerably higher prices once they establish themselves internationally. Villa would be investing in someone who could remain first choice for years rather than searching again after two or three seasons. There are bigger names available across Europe, yet most would cost significantly more while offering little room for development. Restes already has the potential to become a top-class goalkeeper, and Villa would be wise to take a chance on him.
What Comes Next?
With Villa reportedly interested in Restes, it's clear that the club is serious about finding a replacement for Martínez. The question now is whether they can convince Toulouse to sell. With the asking price set at £20 million, it's clear that Villa are willing to spend big to get their man. But will it be enough to secure the signing of one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe?
