Aston Villa eyeing free transfer for Paulo Gazzaniga | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must finally land Paulo Gazzaniga after a major development regarding the goalkeeper’s future.

What’s the story?

Reports last September suggested that the Argentine was a target for Smith’s side as they looked to strengthen the goalkeeping department, but the Midlands club moved on from the 1.95m (6 foot 5) titan and signed Arsenal’s Emi Martinez instead.

Gazzaniga saw his time with Spurs come to an end earlier in the week after being released by the north London side, and when asked if he thinks the 29-year-old could go to Villa, football journalist Alan Nixon tweeted (via Birmingham Mail): “Would make a lot of sense. Villa want an experienced No.2.”

Perfect no.2 for Martinez

With recent confirmation that Tom Heaton has left the club, Villa could do with some new competition for Martinez in between the sticks for next season.

In Gazzaniga, they could find the perfect player to come in, with the Argentine having deputised for Hugo Lloris at Spurs numerous times and his former boss Jose Mourinho even hailing him as “magic hands” after a particularly impressive performance against Wolves last season.

Add that to his Argentine nationality, and he should even settle in well at Villa Park given that he already has a international compatriot in Martinez, and the duo will no doubt push each other to greater heights.

Given that he won’t cost the club a penny in transfer fees either after being released by the Lilywhites, along with having ample Premier League experience, Gazzaniga seems like the perfect backup to Martinez both in terms of quality and value.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…