Emiliano Martinez was linked with a deadline day move to Manchester United due to the Red Devils' goalkeeping struggles, but the Aston Villa shot-stopper will not be moving to Old Trafford
Arsenal's Emiliano Martinez, Gabriel, Alexis Sanchez, Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta, David Ospina and Nacho Monreal celebrate after the FA Cup Final between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium
Mikel Arteta and Emiliano Martinez were once both part of the same Arsenal squad
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's previous comments about Emiliano Martinez highlighted the goalkeeper's quality long before his proposed transfer to Manchester United fell through.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was rumoured to be on the brink of a deadline day switch to Old Trafford following a series of blunders from United's current options, Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
Martinez seemed all set for a move at the end of last season. He was seen in tears as he saluted the Villa supporters after the final home match of the season against Tottenham.
Despite being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, he didn't secure a summer transfer and played the full match against Brentford last week. But Martinez was notably absent from the Villa squad on Sunday night as Unai Emery's side suffered a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
This only further fuelled rumours he was keen to join the Red Devils. However, on Monday, United chosee to sign Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens for £18.2million instead, effectively ending their interest in the Argentine international.
It's believed United's decision to sign the relatively unknown 23-year-old on a five-year contract over the more experienced Martinez was due to his younger age. Martinez would also have cost United double the amount they paid for Lammens and would have commanded a weekly wage of around £200,000.
It represents a disheartening development for Martinez, who is on the verge of entering his mid-30s and would have anticipated securing a transfer to one of football's traditional powerhouses. Villa acquired Martinez from Arsenal in 2020, and he has experienced a remarkable transformation in his career since then.
Emiliano Martinez of Arsenal interacts with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on July 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England.
In another world, Martinez might have played under his former colleague at Arsenal
Martinez had spent 10 years at Arsenal, completing six temporary moves to other clubs before eventually being given an extended opportunity in the first team. And even that was only after regular No. 1 Bernd Leno suffered an injury.
The Argentinian enjoyed some impressive performances in the Premier League and a crucial role in the squad that claimed a record-extending 14th FA Cup triumph at Wembley. However, he was permitted to join Villa for £17million in September 2020, with Arteta retaining Leno as his primary goalkeeper.
However, Arteta subsequently made the startling revelation that he had actually wished to retain Martinez. The Spaniard said he only allowed his departure due to financial constraints and the keeper's ambition to secure regular playing time without having to battle for the No. 1 position.
Speaking before a November 2020 match between Arsenal and Villa, which represented a reunion with his former player, Arteta said: "He had a career of 10 years here. It wasn't just the last six or eight months. You have to look at everything he did through his time at the club.
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"Obviously, it wasn't in my plans to sell him, but we gave him the chance because he deserved it. He performed really really well but we have to balance the books. We have to make the right choices in the market and obviously, I couldn't guarantee him to be the number one.
"He's a very ambitious person, he has been working really hard and he can see now that the opportunity is there. He's got the opportunity to play with Argentina and when a player asks you to do that I think you have to be open enough and tell him what you think about him.
"If he makes the decision to leave, you should try to support him because he deserves it for the way he has served the club over the years."
Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez during the Premier League match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Gtech Community Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Brentford, England.
Martinez may now stay put at Villa after gesturing towards the exit
Arteta's comments demonstrated his immense respect for Martinez, who, apart from last season's European campaign with Villa, has experienced limited silverware at club level. That's despite being recognised as one of the world's finest shot-stoppers.
This stands in stark contrast to his exploits on the international stage with Argentina, where he has achieved legendary status following crucial contributions to two Copa America victories and one World Cup success. He produced a remarkable stop in the World Cup final to deny France victory in the dying moments, whilst his spot-kick heroics have rescued his country on numerous occasions.
These achievements have garnered him global recognition, including winning the esteemed Yashin Trophy in back-to-back years and being nominated for the Ballon d'Or. With his future at Villa Park still uncertain, Martinez may question whether he will ever have the opportunity to vie for the Premier League and Champions League titles.