A major update on Emiliano Martinez’s future at Aston Villa has been announced ahead of the January transfer window, amid recent praise from manager Unai Emery.
Martinez was keen to leave Villa during the summer following interest from Manchester United, but he ended up staying at Villa Park with Ruben Amorim’s side opting to bring in Senne Lamence instead.
The Argentina international was left out of the squad for the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, with his future in doubt after Marco Bizzotto nodded between the sticks, but he has since successfully rejoined the squad.
The 33-year-old made his return in the 0-0 draw against Everton and received high praise from manager Emery as follows: “His return today was great. We have to protect him and feel him out in the group to make sure he’s comfortable and confident. He was great.”
But there’s been a big new update on the shot-stopper’s future at Villa Park, suggesting a move could be on the table soon…
Aston Villa intend to accept bid for Emiliano Martinez in January
Football Insider reports that Aston Villa are continuing to search for a replacement for their long-time goalkeeper who has been stripped of his vice-captainship and are now willing to accept a bid for Martinez in January.
Coach Emery said of the decision: “The first captain was John McGinn. He not only managed the next captain but also decided what we were going to be. Normally we would have the other captain, Emi Martinez, as the second captain. But now, after talking to him, I would like to have him back. Next up is the concert. We also have Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins. That’s usually how we run it.”
The Villans have recently named Manchester City’s James Trafford as a potential target, with the Englishman left out of manager Pep Guardiola’s starting XI by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man United maintain an interest in the Villa star, so there could be interest during the January transfer window, with Amorim personally requesting a winter deal in October.
There is no point in Aston Villa standing in their way if the Argentina international decides to leave after 57 appearances, but it would be a shame to let him go given his level of performance in recent weeks.
The former Arsenal player has kept clean sheets in three of his last four games in all competitions, most recently saving Antoine Semenyo from a penalty in the 4-0 win over AFC Bournemouth.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper’s contract runs until 2030, so Aston Villa should be able to pay a handsome fee for his services if they decide to cash in, but selling one of their most experienced players would be a risk.
