Emiliano Martinez: Insider shares ‘surprise’ Aston Villa exit twist today
Emiliano Martinez is attracting interest in a move away from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that it would be a “surprise” to see the 32-year-old leave Villa Park.
Villa still regard Martinez as being among the world’s best goalkeepers and feel they would struggle to find an adequate replacement in the transfer market.
This comes after Saudi Pro League expert Paul Robinson told Football Insider Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr want Martinez ahead of the summer window.
However, the World Cup-winner is believed to be sceptical of a move to the Middle East and wants to continue to test himself at the highest level.
Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Villa are prepared to sell big-name players this summer – but Martinez is not expected to be among them.
Aston Villa stance on Emi Martinez exit revealed
Martinez has made 50 appearances for Aston Villa so far this season, keeping 13 clean sheets, and played a key role in reaching the Champions League quarter-final.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the “exceptional” goalkeeper will not be allowed to leave Villa Park this summer.
“I’ve heard whispers about Emi Martinez,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s amazing how quickly things change in football, because Villa have gone from a mid-table team to a side who want to regularly be in the Champions League.
“They’ve build a really strong team and they don’t want to lose their most important players.
“Replacing people like Martinez is always far easier said than done, and they don’t want to be forced into that until they absolutely have to.
“I would be very surprised if Aston Villa let him go, they value him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“He’s a World Cup winner who wants to be playing at the highest level, and that means playing in the Premier League and Champions League.
“Emi Martinez is not a problem for Aston Villa and they will focus on more important areas.
“He is an exceptional goalkeeper and they have no intention of letting him go.”
Eberechi Eze update emerges at Villa Park
Alongside speculation about the future of a number of Villa’s first-team stars, they have also been eyeing potential incoming signings ahead of the summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 5 May that Aston Villa want Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and have been keeping a close eye on him this season.
Eze ticks a lot of boxes for Emery’s side and has impressed with his recent performances, including in the FA Cup semi-final when Palace beat Villa 3-0.
However, they will face stiff competition for his signature as Brown told Football Insider that Man United and Liverpool want to sign Eze this summer.
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