Source: Emiliano Martinez could agree deal ahead of Janaury after ‘interesting’ Aston Villa development
Emiliano Martinez’s future at Aston Villa has been plunged into further doubt after Unai Emery’s decision to strip him of the club’s vice-captaincy.
Emiliano Martinez has been Aston Villa’s first-choice stopper since his arrival in 2020 and has featured 11 times in all competitions so far this season.
The World Cup winner has made 223 appearances for the club in the last five years, winning two Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper awards in that time.
He came close to a move to Man United in the recent summer window, and Villa boss Unai Emery revealed earlier in November that Ezri Konsa has replaced Martinez as the club’s vice-captain.
Sources have told Football Insider that Villa will accept bids for Martinez in the upcoming January window, and there is clear unrest behind the scenes around his future as it stands.
Unai Emery vice-captaincy decision hints at Martinez question marks
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Argentine’s long-term future at Villa is in doubt after Emery’s call to hand Konsa his vice-captain role.
Football Insider have also revealed that Villa chiefs are concerned about Martinez’s mindset and headspace after he failed to seal a move to United in the summer.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Look, it was fully expected that (Emiliano) Martinez would leave Villa in the summer transfer window.
“It looked like a move to Man United was on the cards before it fell down, and United have brought in (Senne) Lammens and he has been very good. Their need for a goalkeeper has lessened now.
“Martinez was left out at the start of the season. I think he missed the Crystal Palace game with Marco Bizot coming in to Villa’s side, then (he) has won his place back under Unai Emery.
“But it’s quite interesting that he’s been stripped of the vice-captaincy at Villa Park as well, so that would raise question marks over his long-term future at Villa Park. He’s still a key player for them…on his day he is one of the best in the world.”
Villa targeting James Trafford as potential Martinez replacement
Martinez’s potential departure opens the door for a replacement to be signed in the new year to compete with summer signing Bizot, with James Trafford a known target.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (16 November) that Villa are targeting Man City’s Trafford as he continues to play second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
He re-joined Man City in the recent transfer window from Burnley with the aim to become their number one, but Donnarumma’s arrival later in the summer has severely limited his minutes so far.
Trafford is believed to be open to a move away from City in January as a result of his lack of game-time, especially considering that his place in England’s World Cup squad could be at risk if he continues to sit on the bench all campaign.