Sources: Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez could quit this summer
Aston Villa will listen to potential summer offers for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the 30-year-old wants to compete at the highest level and win more silverware following his success with Argentina in Qatar last year.
Martinez, who has been at Villa Park since September 2020, has more than four years left to run on his contract.
He cost the Midlands giants a reported £20million when he joined the club from Arsenal.
It is understood that manager Unai Emery would be open to adding Martinez’s potential fee to Villa’s summer transfer war chest as he looks to strengthen the squad.
The 26-cap Argentina star played a key role for his nation at the World Cup last year (2022) – and was the shoot-out hero in the quarter-final against the Netherlands, and the final against France.
He has been a mainstay for Aston Villa when available, making 28 starts across all competitions – keeping five clean sheets.
Martinez equalled Brad Friedel’s club record for Premier League clean sheets in his first season at the club, playing his part in 15 shut-outs during the 2020-21 season.
Football Insider revealed in December 2022 that Man United have a “concrete” interest in signing the former Arsenal star this summer as they look to replace long-serving David de Gea.
Sources also told this site (24 November 2022) that Aston Villa are keeping close tabs on Morocco international Yassine Bounou, who plays for Sevilla – Emery’s former club.
Martinez’s current understudies are Robin Olsen and Jed Steer.
The shot-stopper and Aston Villa will face his former club Arsenal on Saturday (18 February).
In other news, Football Insider updates as Aston Villa plan to accept offer for 27-year-old forward.