Sources: Aston Villa set £40m price tag for last-gasp January transfer
Aston Villa have placed a £40million price tag on Emiliano Martinez and could be prepared to accept offers before the end of the January transfer window.
The 33-year-old is attracting interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Man United despite having failed to agree a move when he was expected to leave in the summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Villa may now be open to letting their goalkeeper move on for the right price.
This comes after former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Unai Emery has been frustrated by Martinez’s inconsistent displays so far this season.
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.
Aston Villa could cash in on Emiliano Martinez
Football Insider revealed on 23 January that Aston Villa could cash in on Martinez amid ongoing concerns about financial restrictions.
Emery gave the green light for Donyell Malen to join Roma for £25million as part of their plans to sell before they buy, and he could soon be joined through the exit door.
Now, a £40million fee could be enough for them to let Martinez go in what would be seen as a strategic deal to bolster their transfer kitty.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “We thought he was going to leave in the summer window, we had those scenes in the last game of the season at Villa Park.
“Obviously a move didn’t materialise in the summer window, but he’s one of the top goalkeepers in the world and its no surprise clubs are looking at him.
“We know that Inter Milan are going to be in the market for a new goalkeeper come next summer because Yan Sommer is out of contract and Martinez would tick a lot of boxes for them.
“It won’t be an easy deal to do due to probably the fee Villa would look for him would be pretty high.
“He’s under contract until 2029 so you’d be looking around £30-40million plus probably for a player like Martinez, who is one of the big earners at Villa Park.
“Wages could be an issue for them as well in that respect but I’m sure a project like Inter will be appealing to somebody like Martinez.“
Aston Villa close in on Tammy Abraham deal
Villa’s plan to sell before they buy this month has already paid off, and they are now closing in on the signing of a new striker.
Football Insider revealed on 25 January that Tammy Abraham is close to joining Aston Villa after they reached an agreement with Besiktas.
Abraham’s desire to return to Villa Park and the Premier League is believed to have been a major factor in getting the deal over the line.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Aston Villa officials were accelerating talks with Besiktas after jetting out to Turkey in the last week.
The striker is now expected to undergo the final stages of the move after flying to England, and his signing will be announced in due course.
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