Exclusive: Serie A giants plot Emiliano Martinez swoop, Aston Villa plan clear going into January
Inter Milan are interested in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the January transfer window amid big doubts over Yann Sommer’s future, sources have told Football Insider.
The Argentine’s future in B6 has been uncertain for several months, and his exit could finally materialise during the winter window.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (18 November), that Aston Villa plan to accept a bid for Martinez if the right offer arrives in January.
The shot stopper came very close to joining Manchester United in the summer, only to be continually denied his dream move.
He may have ultimately been forced to stay put at Villa Park on that occasion, but it could be a totally different story in January.
Aston Villa want to secure Martinez replacement before a sale
Aston Villa’s willingness to accept a bid for Martinez hinges on their ability to bring in a replacement as number one.
Unai Emery wants to secure a reliable first-choice option before he sanctions the departure of the 33-year-old, with James Trafford a known target for Villa.
Martinez has developed into one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded glovemen since his move from Arsenal in the 2020-21 campaign.
He became a World Cup winner with Argentina back in 2022, and his consistent performances have been recognised on the global stage, with Martinez boasting two Yashin Trophies to his name, awarded annually to the best-performing goalkeeper in world football.
The ex-Arsenal man failed to get his move away from the Villans in the summer, but with Inter Milan now lurking, Football Insider understands that an exit in January is a distinct possibility.
Inter look at Martinez to replace Sommer
Inter Milan’s interest in Martinez appears to stem from the fact that their first-choice Yann Sommer is out of contract at the end of the season.
The veteran has been one of Serie A’s standout ‘keepers in recent years, as he has surpassed 20 clean sheets in each of his two full campaigns in Italy so far.
However, with Sommer now 36, and a new contract yet to be offered just months before his potential departure, it’s highly likely that he will be moved on.
Christian Chivu and Co. view Martinez as a strong candidate to take over from the former Switzerland international between the posts, and Villa also seem complicit towards a potential deal.