Emiliano Martinez looks increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa this summer and has now been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, who are eyeing up a change after Andre Onana's struggles
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was emotional after the final game of the season at Manchester United
(Image: Getty Images)
The future of Emiliano Martinez could trigger a flurry of transfer activity should the Aston Villa star join Manchester United.
The Argentina international is expected to bid farewell to Villa this summer after what appeared to be an emotional goodbye to supporters after the club's final game of the season at Old Trafford. Rumours are rife that the Red Devils are keen on bringing the World Cup winner aboard as part of their rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
It's suggested 32-year-old Martinez has a preference for United despite also being linked with Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and several teams in the Saudi Pro League. And the Red Devils have cause to pursue a deal after seeing Andre Onana struggle between the posts over the past couple of seasons.
United are set for a major revamp this summer after enduring their worst Premier League season and finishing a dismal 15th, nine places lower than Villa. On top of that, Amorim is believed to be becoming increasingly exasperated with the slow pace of United's business so far this summer in the transfer market.
Martinez has surpassed expectations since arriving at Villa from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £20million almost five years ago. And although he still has four years left to run on his current contract, it's understood the player is open to taking on a new challenge at this stage of his career.
Ex-Birmingham City stopper Ben Foster has suggested the acquisition of a player of Martinez's calibre could also help United attract other top talents. But despite his praise for the South American, former Red Devil Foster remains doubtful about his old club's prospects for the upcoming season.
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Andre Onana playing for Manchester United
Andre Onana has struggled to win over supporters at Old Trafford
(Image: PA)
In terms of what it'd mean for Villa, Foster has real concerns about replacing the keeper, and maintains how they need to keep Unai Emery on board with plans for the squad going forward.
"That's a good move for Man United and it's going to be a massive miss [for Aston Villa]," Foster said on his 'Fozcast' podcast. "For me, if they (Villa) lose him or the manager, it's a big problem."
Discussing what landing Martinez could mean for United, Foster added: "If they do sign him, I think it enables United to go and flex their muscles and get a couple more big boys."
Emiliano Martínez of Argentina dances for fans prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia at Estadio Más Monumental
Emi Martinez could trigger a succession of transfers if he leaves Aston Villa for Man United this summer
(Image: Marcelo Endelli, Getty Images)
Since season's end, United have only managed to secure one signing, bagging Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a hefty £62.5m. They're also eyeing Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, but the delay in finalising these deals has left Amorim feeling frustrated.
"Mbeumo has already been spoken about and Cunha is already through the door," Foster continued. "But I don't think they are going to be anywhere near challenging. Even the top 10 is going to be a struggle this season for them."
When asked why Martinez might consider leaving Villa, who secured a sixth-place finish, Foster replied: "What Man United have got ahead of others is global appeal. If he signs for Manchester United, everything just gets bumped and his wages are going to go up."
Foster then insisted: "He's definitely going somewhere, because nobody cries on the pitch at the end of the season otherwise."
Ruben Amorim at a press conference
Ruben Amorim is in the midst of a summer overhaul at Manchester United
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Villa are already set to say goodbye to one keeper this summer as veteran Robin Olsen prepares to return to his native Sweden with Malmo. However, a new recruit between the posts will be that much more essential should Martinez follow him out of the exit.
Should Martinez join United, he's tipped to become first-choice keeper over Onana, who hasn't hidden his frustrations with his current situation. The Cameroon goalkeeper recently hinted at a possible move during an interview with Afrik-Foot: "Will I leave? I don't know, we'll see."
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Martinez would have at least two familiar faces at Old Trafford in international team-mates Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho. However, the latter may not be sticking around for long as he too looks set for a change of scenery.