‘I set up Emiliano Martinez’s transfer from Arsenal to Aston Villa – this is what the future now holds for him’
Aston Villa are expected to be open to offers for Emiliano Martinez at the end of the season amid concerns about his consistency and recent errors.
Martinez was at fault for Thierno Barry‘s goal as Everton won 1-0 at Villa Park, as he spilled Dwight McNeil’s bending effort into the striker’s path.
That was not the goalkeeper’s first costly mistake this season, and former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider questions are now being asked.
The Argentina international was heavily linked with a move away from Villa in the summer, and interest has lingered despite no agreements being reached.
There is now a growing feeling that Aston Villa could cash in on Martinez, who is now aged 33, and look to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer.
Aston Villa open to Emiliano Martinez offers
Football Insider revealed in November that Aston Villa would consider offers for Martinez, with the recruitment team exploring long-term replacements.
Unai Emery is not willing to destabilise his squad mid-way through the season, meaning a January exit is now unlikely, but his position will be considered in the summer.
“Emiliano Martinez is still a top-class goalkeeper,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s made some real fantastic saves this season, but he’s also made a few major errors so questions are being asked at Aston Villa.
“His strength is also his weakness in that he’s such a big personality, he takes everything on himself so when he makes an error, that’s where the fingers are pointed.
“I am a big fan of his, I took him to Villa from Arsenal in the first place and he’s still important there.
“But there have been signs that maybe he’s not quite at his best any more, and Villa are looking at potential long-term replacements in goal.
“If somebody comes in for Martinez, maybe Man United or somebody else, there is a possibility they let him go for the right price, because these errors he’s making are becoming more regular.
“They’ll be keeping a close eye on his performances for the rest of the season and seeing if things improve, but it’s difficult with goalkeepers.
“You have to be across it all the time, if you notice they’re starting to decline then changes might have to be made because it’s such an important position.”
Could Man United return for Martinez?
Martinez was expected to leave Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, before his hopes of securing an exit collapsed in the late stages.
Man United had been linked with Martinez but opted against pursuing a move, while talk of offers from Saudi Pro League clubs failed to materialise.
However, United could return for the Argentina shot-stopper amid concerns about their current goalkeeping options including Senne Lammens.
Martinez was quickly reintegrated at Aston Villa, but the transfer saga has left lasting doubts in the fans’ minds, while his performances have yet to meet expectations.
Brown told Football Insider in November that Aston Villa are concerned about Martinez’s performances, and those concerns are lingering.
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