According to reports originating from Argentina, Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa`s goalkeeper, is reportedly being pursued by both Manchester United and Barcelona. This interest comes after the player recently hinted at potentially leaving the club.
Martinez joined Aston Villa in 2020, moving from Arsenal where he had spent eight years in North London and was sent out on loan six times during that period.
Since his move, he has become one of the Premier League`s standout goalkeepers and solidified his position as Argentina`s number one, famously winning the 2022 World Cup with his national team.
Despite signing a contract extension in the summer of 2024 that ties him to Villa until 2029, Martinez appeared to signal a potential departure from the club.
Following Villa`s 2-0 home victory against Tottenham, he was observed tearfully waving to the fans, a gesture widely interpreted as a farewell.
Argentine sports channel DSports claims that both Manchester United and Barcelona are actively seeking to sign Martinez and that the keeper has received offers from both European giants.
Manchester United`s current first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan in 2023 in a deal worth £47.2 million, has experienced inconsistent form during his time at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney even suggested the club should consider bringing back David de Gea, the Spanish keeper who departed on a free transfer when Onana was signed.
Meanwhile, at Barcelona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains the primary goalkeeper. However, the German has been limited to just seven appearances this season due to a significant knee injury.
Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who briefly came out of retirement to join Barcelona in 2024, has filled in for Ter Stegen, featuring 30 times this season.
The 35-year-old Pole`s contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the current season, though Barcelona, who were crowned La Liga champions, hold an option to extend it.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remained reserved when questioned about Martinez`s future, despite the emotional display from the World Cup-winning keeper towards the fans.
Emery commented: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don`t know. We will see about the team, the players.”
He added: “Of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match.”
However, Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane seemed more certain that Martinez`s actions were indicative of a goodbye.
Redknapp remarked: “What a signing he has been. Amazing player, great goalkeeper, but it looks like he was waving goodbye.”
He continued: “Trying to find someone to fill that void will be very difficult.”
Keane offered his perspective: “He has been a good character, some people like him. He can be annoying at times with some of his antics.”
Keane concluded: “But he has been a great signing for them, he`ll be a big loss as it does look like he his saying his final goodbyes.”
