Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been handed a golden opportunity to sign Emiliano Martinez as the Aston Villa star has made it clear that he is interested in completing a switch to Old Trafford, although the Red Devils are yet to make a decision on Andre Onana's future, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.
The Red Devils have already raided one of their Premier League rivals since ending the 2024/25 campaign without silverware or European qualification, thanks to Matheus Cunha sealing a £62.5million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but there is a desire to secure further reinforcements.
Having seen Marcus Rashford return to Manchester United, after Aston Villa opted against taking advantage of a £40million option to make his initial loan spell permanent, Amorim has discovered that Martinez is prepared to follow in the England international's footsteps this summer.
Martinez Open to Sealing Switch to Red Devils
Argentina international seeking move from current surroundings
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
Martinez has offered himself to Manchester United as he seeks a move away from Aston Villa, according to GMS sources, and his current employers have refused to rule out reluctantly granting his wish due to fears of breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules if they do not sanction big-money sales.
The World Cup-winning Argentina international was visibly emotional following the Villans' victory over Tottenham Hotspur last month, fuelling speculation that it was his final home encounter on their books and he is on course to head through the exit door before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
GMS sources have been informed that, in a major twist, Martinez has made it clear that he is willing to join Manchester United if they make an approach despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League but - having remained a regular starter for Aston Villa - it could take close to £40million in order for the deal to get over the line in the coming weeks.
Emiliano Martinez's statistics for Aston Villa this season
The 6ft 5in goalkeeper has been described as 'world-class' by Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell and, although there is a desire to embark on a fresh challenge this summer, the Villans are not entertaining the possibility of facilitating a cut-price departure to Old Trafford or another destination.
Aston Villa are using the valuation of AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan as a yardstick after the Italian heavyweights were seeking up to £25million when Chelsea were hoping to seal a bargain deal due to him entering the final 12 months of his contract, GMS sources have learned, complicating matters for Manchester United and Martinez.
Martinez Waiting for Amorim to Make Key Call
Tactician yet to decide whether to recruit new first-choice goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United have still not made a final call on whether to sign a new first-choice option between the sticks or if Andre Onana is surplus to requirements, while Atletico Madrid has been pinpointed as another possible destination for Martinez if Jan Oblak leaves.
The 32-year-old's £150,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2029, meaning Aston Villa could still decide to keep him on board, while his preference is to stay in Europe even though there has been interest from the big-spending Saudi Pro League during the early stages of the transfer window.
Martinez's current employers need to offload high-earners and would welcome Neom advancing a deal for Jacob Ramsey, GMS sources understand, but they are also keen on landing Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United after he has fallen out of favour under Amorim at Old Trafford.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils will be in the mix to recruit Aston Villa's first-choice custodian if Onana quits, with the Midlands outfit not planning to stand in his way if a suitable proposal is lodged as preparations are made ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 18/06/2025.
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