Emi Martinez’s father has suggested that the Aston Villa goalkeeper should leave this summer amid reports that Manchester United are interested in the Argentine international.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Beto Martinez revealed that is hopeful that his son will win a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs in the summer after a year to remember, with the former Arsenal star guiding Argentina to glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Martinez starring in two penalty shoot-outs.
Martinez senior said when asked about his son’s future: “I hope he goes to one of those great teams, until now he has his head in Aston Villa. Emery asks him not to leave, to please stay at Aston Villa. He loves him. Everything is more than good at Aston Villa with Emi.”
Erik Ten Hag’s United have just been one top side linked with Martinez since the World Cup in Qatar, and whilst the 30-year-old still has a long-term contract at Villa, there’s a growing feeling that the shot-stopper will soon leave Villa Park for a big club.
Indeed, whilst United might not be a clear favourite to sign Martinez, other top sides around Europe have been linked with the goalkeeper, namely Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. However, there’s a good chance that Villa will demand a hefty fee for the South American.
As we know, Villa are hardly in a position where they need to sell one of their key players, and with Unai Emery having huge plans for the Birmingham-based club, the Spanish manager could have the power to convince Martinez to stay with the Premier League side for an extra year.
Emi Martinez joining Manchester United could be a pipe dream
Martinez is clearly ready for a step up at club level, with the Argentine showing he can deliver on the biggest of stages amongst the best players in the game. Yet for United, signing the shot-stopper could be a pipe dream given how much Villa will want for their no. 1.
With David De Gea also continuing to impress between the sticks, United will likely focus on other areas of the pitch this summer rather than the goalkeeping position, which realistically won’t need a proper examination until 2024, when Martinez could be available for a more reasonable price.
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