Manchester United are still frontrunners to sign Emi Martinez this summer.
The Argentine international’s next destination is most likely to be Old Trafford - despite the inertia at Aston Villa.
The 32-year-old keeper prompted suggestions that he was moving on to pastures new himself after he broke into tears following Villa’s final home Premier League game of the season against Spurs.
Man United Favourites to Sign Emi Martinez
Rumours have circulated about Andre Onana's future
Emiliano Martinez after being sent off for Aston Villa against Manchester United
Villa’s recruitment team, including President of Football Operations Monchi, has since said they were in the dark as to the reasons why their No.1 was openly showing such emotion.
That kick-started the rumour-mill before the final game of the campaign and stories were only given greater credence by Onana’s show in the Europa League final defeat to Spurs.
Ongoing speculation over the Cameroonian’s future - and his below-par showing against Spurs in Bilbao - had prompted rumours of a significant move - with Manchester United set to be the major beneficiary.
The big South American remains the centre of attention - with interest centred on the two-time winner of FIFA’s best keeper award linking up with Ruben Amorim’s side.
It appeared at one stage as though he would be heading to Atletico Madrid.
They were the early frontrunners for his signature but given the continued doubts over the future of his African colleague, Manchester United became the leaders in the fight for his signature.
Emi Martinez Could Stay at Aston Villa
The goalkeeper only signed a bumper new deal one year ago
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
But there remains a good chance that he could stay in Birmingham.
Martinez signed a mammoth £7.5m-a-year five-year deal to stay put with Unai Emery’s men only 12 months ago.
But his tears - and the fact he changed agents, cast a shadow over his continued involvement at Villa Park.
Emiliano Martinez's statistics for Aston Villa this season
He has linked up with Jorge Mendes who has strong links, particularly at Athletico, which has prompted their inclusion in the discussion over his next move.
It also raised the prospect of him possibly chasing a double-your-money switch to Saudi Arabia, although that appears to now be way down on the list of probable next destinations.
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
All statistics according to Sofascore and Transfermarkt - correct as of 24-06-25.