Emi Martinez, Aston Villa, Andre Onana, Man United
(Credit: Imago)
Mick Brown
Sat 28 June 2025 11:00, UK
Man United are prepared to open formal talks over a deal to sign Emiliano Martinez after Andre Onana is sold, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 32-year-old is Ruben Amorim’s top goalkeeper target.
Aston Villa are open to cashing in on the Argentina international and are inviting talks, but no move will be made until Onana is moved on.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider United will accept cut-price offers for Onana after Ligue 1 outfit Monaco emerged among the interested parties.
Amorim is believed to be keen to shift the 29-year-old and will move quickly to open talks over a replacement, with Martinez top of the list.
Football Insider revealed on 23 June that United will sign a new first-choice goalkeeper if Onana leaves the club, with multiple targets already on their radar.
Emiliano Martinez of Argentina gives his team instructions during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail ...
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Man United to step up Martinez talks after Onana sold
Brown told Football Insider on 16 June that United will step up their interested in Martinez and will utilise their connections with his agent Jorge Mendes to agree a deal.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted that United are waiting on Onana’s sale before making a move for the Villa star.
“Man United have made it clear they would like to sign Martinez,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ll take whatever they can get for Onana, and then they’ll make contact with Aston Villa and see if they can get a deal over the line.
“He’s seen as a huge upgrade on Onana so they’re prepared to take a hit to get things moving.
“If Man United could swap Onana for Martinez tomorrow, they’d jump at it.
“Martinez is in his 30s now, but he’s a very capable goalkeeper and they’re not concerned about that.
“The only issue as things stand is that they need to move Onana away before they go for Martinez because they don’t want to end up with both on the books.
“They’re waiting for a bid to arrive so that they can accelerate things and start speaking to Villa.
“For now, it’s just what they would like to do, not something they’re able to do.”
Ruben Amorim Man United
Ruben Amorim is set for a busy summer transfer window. (Credit: Imago)
Bryan Mbeumo update emerges at Old Trafford
Alongside their ambitions of signing Martinez, United have been working hard to reach an agreement with Brentford over the signing of Bryan Mbeumo.
Brown told Football Insider on 24 June that Man United are pushing to sign Mbeumo and have continued talks over the deal “behind closed doors”.
United have submitted a new offer of £60million including add-ons that has been rejected, but the club have not been deterred and are pressing forward in talks.
Football Insider revealed on 6 June that Man United will reach an agreement with Brentford, who are standing firm in their valuation.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts