Emi Martinez has finally talked himself into Aston Villa exit with shameful comments ahead of January
Emi Martinez may finally be about to get the move away from Aston Villa that he pushed so hard for in the summer.
The Argentine has developed into one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers during his time with the second city outfit, but he seemed intent on forcing a move away from the club for large parts of the summer.
Aston Villa repeatedly stood in the way of Martinez’s departure, despite the player himself going to almost every eventuality to try and force through a move to Manchester United.
Unai Emery appears to have been able to maintain a working relationship with the first-choice shot-stopper in recent months, but the star may finally have overstepped the line in the boss’ eyes with his latest comments.
Emi Martinez’s Saudi Arabia comments may be final straw for Aston Villa
Football Insider exclusively revealed back in November that Martinez is attracting interest from Inter Milan, as Villa look set to spend another transfer window trying to fend off potential suitors for their star.
The Villa Park outfit have been unwavering in their stance that their gloveman is not for sale, and they have stood firm with that, despite him repeatedly putting their resolve to the test.
Martinez was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, and his latest round of comments surrounding the possibility of a move to the Middle East may well tip his current club over the edge.
The World Cup winner recently conducted an interview with South American outlet DSports, in which he suggested that the prospect of a move to the Saudi Pro League appeals to him.
“I’m open to it,” Martinez said.
“I know the Premier League is the best in the world, you compete in every game. The next decision will be to be with my family.”
Villa have fought tooth and nail to keep hold of Martinez in recent months, so to see him openly suggest that he would move to the Saudi league, which is often perceived as little more than a money grab, may prove to be their final straw.
Martinez should be ashamed be Saudi Arabia stance
Martinez has reminded everyone at Villa of his quality in recent weeks, as he has turned in some excellent displays in their strong run of form.
However, if Emery and Co. deem those comments to be an indication that he isn’t up for the rigours of the Premier League anymore, then they may finally opt to grant him the exit that he has strived for in January.
The Saudi Pro League has been heavily scrutinised in recent years, and several players have been chastised for moving there.
With that in mind, it is shameful to see Martinez be so open about the prospect of such a move, and it perhaps indicates that he is so desperate to leave Villa that he will accept anything that comes to the table.
As much as that may pain the club, the time may now have come where they decide that they are better served washing their hands of the Argentine and moving on.