Hutton claims Aston Villa may ‘break the bank’ to sign ‘£50m’ Martinez replacement
Alan Hutton has claimed Manchester United would need to pay at least £50million to sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa.
The former Villa defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Villans would have to “break the bank” to replace the 29-year-old.
The Daily Star reported on Saturday (25 December) Manchester United have Martinez on their shortlist of potential replacements for David de Gea.
Hutton insisted the Argentine shot-stopper has been an “unbelievable” signing for Villa so far.
He insisted Steven Gerrard’s men would struggle to replace him were he to be sold.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’ll be a big fee. He’s come in and set the heather alight.
“He’s just been unbelievable. He’s always there at big moments, makes big he’s commanding in his box. Alright, he’s made a couple of mistakes, like the other day, but this happens for goalkeepers.
“If they’re going to sell him, what are we talking, £50million? I think that’s where we’re at.
“To replace him with somebody just as good, Villa are going to have to go out and really break the bank.
“I would hate to see him go. Villa have done amazingly well to get him through the door and then give him that opportunity to go and shine.
“He knows he’s the number one so hopefully he stays for at least a couple more seasons.”
Martinez has played 55 times for Villa since joining from Arsenal in the summer of 2020.
His contract at Villa Park runs until the end of the 2023/24 season.
In other news, Aston Villa tipped to sign replacement for “weak” senior star after journalist reveal.