Aston Villa are in talks over two significant transfers which could see Emiliano Martinez join Manchester United.
One of the transfer stories of the summer could end up going through in the final 24 hours of the window, as Aston Villa are in negotiations with Manchester United over the sale of Emiliano Martinez.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Emi Martinez to Man Utd latest
Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano is well informed on the situation and reports that Man Utd have already ‘agreed personal terms’ with Martinez. It’s claimed that the Argentinian is a ‘concrete option’ for the Red Devils in case they cannot sign Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.
Talks are now ‘well underway’ with Villa as the two clubs try to find a resolution. Birmingham World understands Martinez was keen on the move earlier in the window. When it was reported that Villa needed to sell Martinez for PSR reasons, it was actually the goalkeeper pushing for a transfer away.
If Martinez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, does leave Villa, it will of course come as a blow. It depends on the fee the Villans are able to rake in for the 32-year-old, though, as a profit on the £17 million fee paid to Arsenal back in 2020 would go a long way. The Argentine’s exit also helps Villa in their efforts to comply with the awkward UEFA squad cost rules (SCR).
Villa to hijack Man Utd deal to allow Martinez exit
In a shock turn of events, Villa could turn to Man Utd’s other target, Lammens, to replace Martinez. Romano reports Villa have made a ‘formal approach’ to Antwerp for the 23-year-old to work out the parameters of a potential deal. The Telegraph, meanwhile, claims Antwerp are seeking around £20 million.
Lammens, who recently enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Jupiler Pro League, conceded 50 goals in 41 league appearances last season, preserving 10 clean sheets. Standing at 6ft 5in, Lammens proved last term that he’s an excellent shot-stopper with great reflexes.
No goalkeeper in Belgium’s top flight made more saves than Lammens’ 174 throughout 2024/25 – and he also led the Jupiler Pro League for high claims, with 57. Rather remarkably, the goalkeeper saved four of the eight penalties he faced.
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