Emi Martinez reacts to message from Emi Buendia amid Man United pursuit
Aston Villa are preparing themselves for the possible departure of number one Emi Martinez with the arrival a Club World Cup star.
Manchester United want Martinez this summer to replace Andre Onana, who has also picked up an injury in training which has left him out of the club’s pre-season tour.
Martinez has been at Villa for five years since his switch from Arsenal, where he was a back-up goalkeeper at the Emirates for much of time in North London.
Villa though are braced for his stay at the club to end and Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor has been lined up as a replacement.
Villa prepared for midfield departure
Martinez’s Villa team mate and fellow Argentine Emi Buendia could also be leaving the club this summer.
Buenedia has been linked with a reunion with Daniel Farke and a move to newly promoted Leeds United.
The midfielder though is still participating in Villa’s pre-season tour of America and he took to Instagram following the club’s recent victory over St Louis City SC.
The 28-year-old posted images from the match including the caption of a black love heart emoji, which was liked by Martinez.
Buenedia’s time at Villa has been hit by injury and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen after signing a contract extension at the club.
United to pursue Onana replacement
Football Insider Verdict
Currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world it is little surprise that Man United want Martinez.
Villa will not want to lose the 32-year-old, but if they can complete a deal for Victor then Unai Emery will have sealed a fine replacement.
Emery is expecting to lose some of his stars anyway this summer amid the club’s tightrope with financial regulations.
Martinez has played a key role in Emery’s positive spell at the club which saw them return to the Champions League for the first time since 1982/83.
| Apperances | 212 |
| Goals Conceded | 256 |
| Clean Sheets | 70 |
Man United will hope Martinez can make a similar impact if he joins, with Ruben Amorim also chasing a return to the competition for the Red Devils after missing out on Europe completely last season.
Onana has struggled in between the sticks at Old Trafford and Amorim needs a reliable and strong goalkeeper to take his place, which Martinez has proven to be at Villa Park.