Man United make initial contacts with Emi Martinez, FIFA World Cup winner open to Old Trafford move
According to reports this evening, Man United have made initial contacts with the representatives of Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, this week — with the Argentine shot stopper ready to make a summer move to Old Trafford.
Martinez, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with his native Argentina, turned in a tremendous finale display to land the trophy, including an extra-time one-on-one save to deny French striker Randal Kolo Muani a winning goal.
And making his most recent competitive appearance for Villa at Old Trafford in the final game of the season, Martinez was sent off in the first half after rushing from his goal, colliding with striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Man United expected to hold talks for Emi Martinez
However, tonight odds on a move for Emi Martinez to Man United this summer have drifted as low as 6/4 — with offshore sports betting markets offering some good odds still on the Argentine keeper to become United’s expected number one.
As per Italian reporter, Fabrizio Romano this evening, Man United have even made initial contacts with Martinez’s representative, and he described further how the Argentine goalkeeper is ready to say “yes” to a move to the Premier League club this summer.
A former prospect at United’s arch-rivals, Arsenal, Martinez is known for his eccentricities as a shot stopper — infamously goading Bruno Fernandes following his penalty miss at Old Trafford a few seasons ago.
A large figure in the net, Martinez does have proven Premier League pedigree, and was considered one of the best goalkeepers in football after his FIFA World Cup win with Argentina three years ago.
However, a move for Martinez would likely see Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana, shifted from his number one position — and even more likely, out of the club.
Coming under stark fire in his first two seasons for United, former Ajax and Internazionale goalkeeper, Onana has made his fair share of blunders in net for the Manchester club during his topsy-turvy period at the club.
Linked with a potential summer exit, Onana would free up a number one choice goalkeeper position under head coach, Ruben Amorim.
However, as well as tonight’s heavy links to Martinez, United have also been tied to potential deals to sign former academy prospect, Vanja Malinkovic-Savic in recent weeks, as well as Portugal goalkeeper, Diogo Costa.
Approaching his 33rd. birthday by the time the new season rolls around, Martinez is expected to cost any potential suitors — including Man United in the region of £40 million this summer in a move from Villa Park.
Spending eight years with Arsenal, Martinez featured in just 15 appearances for the side, having spent considerable time on loan at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Spanish side Getafe, and Reading of note.
A potential deal for Martinez would see Man United ideally strengthen in their distribution from the backline immediately, with Onana casting a far figure from his pinging best in his UEFA Champions League final appearance for Milan against Manchester City.
Coming under fire for his one-on-one shot-stopping ability, Martinez would come as a likely improvement for United in that regard when compared to former FC Barcelona youth team product, Onana.
