Manchester United could opt for a move for Aston Villa fan favourite Emi Martinez, according to reports - with the Argentine reportedly keen on securing a move to Old Trafford as his favoured destination.
Over the past five seasons, the Argentine has only missed nine Premier League games for Villa, showcasing his availability - and with some strong performances at Villa Park resulting in him being named as world-class, and the 'best goalkeeper in the world', it wouldn't be a bad deal for the Red Devils to take on.
Report: Martinez Selects Man Utd as 'Preferred Destination'
The Red Devils could be in the market for a goalkeeper if Onana departs
andre onana
The report by The Mirror states that although Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Martinez, who has been rated at around £45million, United are also in the hat for his signature to replace Andre Onana.
Emi Martinez's career statistics - record by club
Club
Aston Villa
Arsenal
Reading
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield Wednesday
Rotherham United
And, with that in mind, the belief in South America is that Martinez would prefer an Old Trafford switch should both opportunities arise in the coming weeks.
Villa are thought to be 'resigned' to cashing in on their World Cup-winning star, as they potentially face PSR woes and are aware that there could be a market for goalkeepers from the Premier League duo, prompting United's interest.
However, United boss Ruben Amorim does have other priorities to address in the summer transfer window. Bryan Mbeumo is likely to be the next to join in a £60million-plus deal from Brentford, and so the Red Devils won't be able to buy a new stopper unless an interested club stumps up £35million for Cameroonian star Onana prior to them making a move for Martinez.
As a result, that has opened the door for Chelsea to step up their interest after seeing both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen fail to impress under Enzo Maresca - but United aren't entirely out of the race as they seek to land a new man between the sticks with Onana's error-clad performances making him a divisive figure at the Theatre of Dreams.
Martinez made 15 Premier League outings for Arsenal during his nine-year spell in north London before venturing on a loan spell to League Two, four loans to the Championship and even a temporary switch to Spanish outfit Getafe. However, a sustained run of form in the Arsenal team saw him join Villa five years ago, where he has been all but an ever-present since.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 30-06-25.
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