‘Man United handed Emi Martinez boost as Villa star is given transfer warning’
Man United transfer target Emi Martinez has been handed a warning amid rival interest from Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international maintained eight clean sheets in 37 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last season, and has established a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the top flight.
Thanks to his strong performances in Villa colours, Martinez has attracted interest from Man United, while Ruben Amorim could be keen to find an upgrade on Andre Onana.
But according to The Telegraph [21 June], Atletico Madrid are ready to join the race for the 2022 World Cup winner.
Martinez handed Jan Oblak warning amid Atletico Madrid interest
A move to the Spanish capital would see Martinez join up with fellow Argentine and well-renowned boss Diego Simeone.
However, the 32-year-old would have to battle with Jan Oblak for a spot between the sticks in Simeone’s starting lineup.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [23 June], Troy Deeney outlined: “The only problem is they’ve got Oblak as well.
“If they got Martinez, that’d be two, in my opinion, top five goalkeepers in world football. Bit difficult.
“I do like Martinez to Man United, that would make more sense. I just don’t think the Atletico one is a good fit.”
Martinez should favour Man United over Atletico Madrid
Football Insider verdict
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Villa must make a sale to comply with PSR regulations amid the interest in Martinez from both Man United and Atletico.
| Emi Martinez stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Saves | 100 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
Unlike joining the Old Trafford club, a move to the Spanish capital could see the Argentine playing Champions League football next season.
Football Insider previously exclusively reported that Martinez has his heart set on Atletico, amid the rival interest from Ruben Amorim’s side.
However, as outlined by Deeney, the 32-year-old could find it tough to compete with Oblak for a spot in Simeone’s lineup, whereas he would encounter no such issues at Old Trafford.
Thanks to the goalkeeping errors made by Onana since he joined Man United from Inter in 2023, Martinez would be able to walk straight into Amorim’s starting lineup.
The opportunity to continue enjoying consistent first-team action in the Premier League should be one that the former Arsenal man is keen on relatively late in his career.