Aston Villa open talks for Guillaume Restes after agreeing personal terms

Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes after opening discussions with the French club over a potential summer transfer.

The 21-year-old is one of Europe's most highly rated young goalkeepers, and reports from France suggest Villa have already reached a verbal agreement with the player. Any move, however, is expected to depend on Emiliano Martínez leaving Villa Park during the current transfer window.

According to L'Equipe, Aston Villa have now entered formal discussions with Toulouse, who are also in talks with Ipswich Town and Napoli over the France Under-21 international.

Despite the growing interest, Toulouse have yet to receive an official bid.

The Ligue 1 club are standing firm over their valuation and are unwilling to consider offers below €20 million, making it clear they will not entertain proposals "starting with a one."

Restes is understood to be ready for the next step in his career, although the sporting project on offer will play a decisive role in his final decision.

Villa's pursuit of Restes is closely linked to the future of Emiliano Martínez.

The Argentine remains the club's established first-choice goalkeeper, meaning a transfer for Restes is expected to accelerate only if Martínez completes a move away from Birmingham.

Having already agreed personal terms in principle, Villa would be well positioned to move quickly should their current number one depart later in the transfer window.

Aston Villa have consistently planned several transfer scenarios simultaneously. Identifying a successor before Martínez's future is resolved reflects that proactive approach.

However, no transfer can progress significantly until Villa's goalkeeping situation becomes clearer.

Villa are not alone in the race.

Newly promoted Ipswich Town have also opened talks with Toulouse after appointing Gary O'Neil as their new head coach, while Serie A champions Napoli are monitoring the situation as uncertainty surrounds both Alex Meret and Vanja Milinković-Savić.

L'Equipe suggests Ipswich may offer a less pressurised environment than either Villa or Napoli, both of whom will compete in the UEFA Champions League next season.

For Restes, regular first-team football and long-term development are expected to be key considerations alongside financial terms.

Still only 21, Restes has established himself as one of Ligue 1's standout young goalkeepers thanks to his shot-stopping ability, composure in possession and maturity beyond his years.

Those qualities have made him one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Europe, with several clubs viewing him as a long-term No.1.

For Aston Villa, signing Restes would not only secure an immediate replacement if Martínez leaves but also continue Emery's strategy of recruiting talented young players capable of developing into elite performers.

Aston Villa are likely to continue monitoring Martínez's future before deciding whether to submit a formal offer for Restes.

Should the Argentine depart, Villa are expected to move quickly given the reported verbal agreement already in place. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town and Napoli remain in contention, meaning Toulouse could soon receive multiple offers for one of Ligue 1's brightest young goalkeepers.

Should Aston Villa make Guillaume Restes their next No.1 if Emiliano Martínez leaves, or should Unai Emery target a more experienced replacement?