Unai Emery is not a man to be caught off guard. While Aston Villa fans are still celebrating last month's historic Europa League victory, the manager is already planning a significant move between the sticks. Reports from Madrid-based media outlet AS suggest the club have renewed their pursuit of Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro. Why the sudden movement? Look at Italy. Juventus is pushing hard for Emiliano Martínez. The Argentine World Cup winner is highly sought after in Turin, forcing the Villa hierarchy to act quickly. They need a top replacement. This is not a new obsession, however. Villa had already appointed the Basque goalkeeper last summer during a period of anxiety over Martínez's future. That deal was halted when the South American decided to stay at Villa Park. Now, Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo reports that several unnamed clubs have joined the hunt for the goalkeeper, alongside the Birmingham team. The 31-year-old did not have an easy season in San Sebastián. Far from it. He conceded 62 goals in 39 games, keeping just four clean sheets. Despite the unattractive statistics, Emery remains a big fan of his compatriot. Real Sociedad is also ready to sell. They want a reasonable fee of between €8m and €10m, matching Transfermarkt's €9m valuation. Feel Winner, the agency that represents the goalkeeper, is already handling communications before the end of his contract in 2027. Losing Martínez is a big risk. There's no denying it. The penalty save specialist brings a certain aura to B6, a leadership in the locker room that money simply can't buy. Putting a goalkeeper with no Premier League experience in his place is extremely risky. Remiro doesn't have the same aerial dominance as the Argentine, and the 62 goals conceded this season will certainly raise eyebrows in the Holte End. But look closer at what Emery really wants. Their system requires a goalkeeper who can play from behind under fierce pressure. Remiro does exactly that. He is incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet, passing passes into midfield effortlessly. Then there is the financial side of the game. A deal priced under €10 million keeps the Premier League's profit and sustainability watchdogs at bay. This frees up vital money for other positions while bringing in an experienced European player. Fans will be hurt if their talisman moves on. This is football. But the coach knows the Spanish market like no one else, and supporting his signing usually results in success.