Manchester United and Barcelona are both reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.
Martinez, 32, made the switch to Villa Park from Arsenal in 2020, and he has developed into one of the best stoppers in world football during his time in the West Midlands.
The Argentina international has again been an ever-present between the sticks for Villa during the 2024-25 campaign, making 52 appearances in all competitions, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process.
Martinez has a contract at Villa Park until June 2029, but it appears that he will be leaving Unai Emery's side during this summer's transfer window.
The Argentine looked emotional at full-time of Villa's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night, and Emery refused to confirm after the match that Martinez would be staying with the club this summer.
© Imago
Martinez is expected to leave Villa this summer
"We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field," Emery told reporters.
Martinez is being heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, but according to DSports, there is also interest from Man United and Barcelona in the World Cup winner.
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is said to be looking for a new goalkeeper this summer due to Andre Onana's ongoing struggles between the sticks for the 20-time English champions.
Onana has been unable to convince since his arrival at Man United from Inter Milan in 2023, and it is understood that the Red Devils will move for a new number one when the summer market opens for business.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are yet to sign Wojciech Szczesny to a new contract, and there have been suggestions that the Catalan outfit are looking to bring in a goalkeeper due to concerns over Marc-Andre ter Stegen's fitness.
Ter Stegen has missed a lot of this season due to a serious knee injury.
© Imago
Why are Villa prepared to let Martinez go?
Martinez is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and Villa would have some job when it comes to replacing him, but according to the Daily Mail, the club need to make one significant sale before June 30.
Villa must allegedly make a sale to stay in line with the Premier League's spending rules, and Martinez is a player capable of raising a healthy transfer fee, especially considering the length of time left on his contract.
Matt Law
