In a move that would send shockwaves through the Premier League, Manchester United are allegedly laying the groundwork for an audacious summer transfer for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Red Devils, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, are said to be seriously considering the Aston Villa stalwart as their preferred choice to finally solve their long-standing issues in the number one jersey. This potential move casts significant doubt over the future of current first-choice Andre Onana, whose debut season has been a rollercoaster of high-profile errors.
Villa's Stance and a Hefty Price Tag
Aston Villa, however, are poised to put up a formidable fight to keep their star shot-stopper. The club considers Martinez an indispensable part of their project under Unai Emery and their surprising push for Champions League qualification.
It is understood that any deal would require a mammoth offer, likely in the region of £50 million or more, to even give Villa's hierarchy something to think about. The Argentine captain is not only a fan favourite but also a crucial leader within the squad.
Martinez's Legacy and United's Goalkeeping Conundrum
Since his arrival from Arsenal, Martinez has cemented his status as one of the world's elite goalkeepers. His heroic performances were instrumental in Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, solidifying his legendary status internationally.
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Martinez highlights the ongoing uncertainty at the position. The much-criticised £47 million signing of Andre Onana last summer has failed to provide the stability they craved after the departure of long-serving David de Gea. This potential move signals that Ten Hag may already be looking for a reset, just one season into Onana's tenure.
A transfer of this magnitude would be one of the stories of the summer, pitting a ambitious United against a Villa side with top-four aspirations of their own.
