The future of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is in doubt, with Manchester United reportedly weighing up a move for the Argentina international.
The 32-year-old was left out of Villa’s squad for their 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, further fueling speculation about his situation. After the match, manager Unai Emery admitted the club needed to resolve the uncertainty.
“One of the situations we are speaking about is Emi Martínez, but we will see tomorrow. We have to fix it with him,” Emery told Sky Sports.
When pressed before kick-off about the goalkeeper’s absence, Emery repeatedly responded with “Bizot”, referencing Marco Bizot, who was named Villa’s starter for the match.
Villa’s poor start to the Premier League season has compounded the issue. They are winless after three games, with two defeats and a draw, and remain the only club across England’s top four divisions yet to score a league goal.
Asked about further transfer activity before Monday’s deadline, Emery admitted reinforcements were needed:
“We need others, of course. I am happy with the players we have, but we have to get something more in the squad. We have some circumstances that are not helping us. Hopefully, we can keep balance with the squad after it.”
United, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department following a string of errors from Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana. Head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the pressure on the position after Saturday’s 3-2 win at Burnley, saying: “I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment.”
Martínez, a World Cup winner and two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year, would offer proven pedigree with 197 Premier League appearances. However, United are also in talks with Royal Antwerp over 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who is eager to move and has been omitted from Antwerp’s last two games. The Belgian club is under pressure to make a significant sale to meet financial obligations.
While Galatasaray have also shown interest in Lammens, the Turkish side could switch focus to Bayindir or Onana if United bring in a new No. 1. They had earlier asked about Martínez on loan this summer, but Villa dismissed the approach.
Martínez appeared to bid farewell to Villa supporters at the end of last season, only to feature again in last week’s defeat to Brentford. His latest omission, coupled with Emery’s comments, has left his future at Villa Park hanging in the balance as the transfer window reaches its final hours.
