‘Emi Martinez rejects heavy-hitter Aston Villa exit moves’
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has knocked back offers from several big name clubs as speculation continues around his future.
The Argentina international still has four years remaining on his contract in the Midlands, but could nonetheless be on the move this summer.
Many Aston Villa fans believed Martinez was saying “goodbye” with his emotional reaction after the club’s final home game of the season.
That came amid links with a number of other clubs, and there may well be a need for Unai Emery‘s side to sell this summer.
Aston Villa were controversially beaten by Man United on the final day of the campaign, meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
With that meaning they have missed out on a major financial windfall, the club will have to sell in order to make up for that loss and avoid punishment for breaching Profit and Sustainability Regulations.
Man United eye Emi Martinez
It has recently emerged that Man United are one of the clubs who are interested in signing Martinez this summer.
A new goalkeeper may well need to be on the agenda for Ruben Amorim‘s side this summer, with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir having struggled at times last season.
Indeed, Football Insider understands that Man United are pushing hard to sign the Aston Villa goalkeeper, and their hopes of getting a deal done now look to have been given a boost.
According to a new update from The Sun, Martinez is desperate to complete a move to Old Trafford before the start of the new season.
Indeed, it is claimed that one source has stated the 32-year-old has already rejected offers from two “big hitters” elsewhere in the hope of earning a move to Man United.
Aston Villa face fight to keep star keeper
Football Insider Verdict
While more errors started to creep into his game last season, many at Aston Villa would still be sad to see Martinez go given how good he has been for them over the years.
Indeed, with second choice Robin Olsen having already departed, it would put plenty of pressure on them in that position for the rest of the window.
Even so, there feels like an inevitably that they will need to sell this summer to avoid punishment over their financial situation.
It may also not make sense to keep Martinez if he is going to be unhappy about not getting this move, and so they could potentially solve two issues by negotiating a deal with Man United here.
The 32-year-old would still feel like something of an upgrade for Amorim when it comes to his options between the posts.
So with that in mind, if Aston Villa could find a suitable replacement, this may be an agreement that could work well for all involved.