Aston Villa could accept 'big' Emiliano Martinez offer - 'I know for a fact', says Whelan
Noel Whelan has claimed Emiliano Martinez "deserves" to leave Aston Villa for Bayern Munich if the German giants submit a realistic bid for his services.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old's lengthy contract "means nothing" if he is interested in leaving Villa Park.
Martinez became a World Cup winner on Sunday (18 December), with his penalty shoot-out save leading Argentina to the trophy after a 3-3 draw with France in 120 minutes.
According to French outlet Media Foot (19 December), Bayern Munich are interested in signing the Aston Villa star after first-choice shot-stopper Manuel Neuer suffered a broken leg.
Football Insider revealed last month (28 November) that the goalkeeper's long-term future at Villa Park is under threat amid continued friction with new boss Unai Emery.
Emery and Martinez have been reunited at the Midlands club after previously linking up at Arsenal - with the Spaniard failing to give the 30-year-old a single league start during his tenure.
The former Reading loanee is under contract until 2027.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “We know for a fact that his contract means nothing in this day and age.
“What will matter in these negotiations is money. How much are Bayern willing to put up for him?
“He’s a World Cup winner, he had an excellent tournament, showed his worth in the penalty shoot-outs, he’s experienced.
“I think he probably deserves to be playing for a club like Bayern Munich and playing football at that higher level.
“But understandably, I think Aston Villa will be very reluctant to let him leave unless the price is right, and probably huge.”