Manchester United are planning to ensure they are in the running to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez if Andre Onana is given the green-light to embark on a fresh challenge away from Old Trafford during the fast-approaching summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have already been making inroads in their bid to upgrade the squad, with Matheus Cunha confirming his desire to join after holding discussions over a move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but head coach Ruben Amorim is eager to bring in further reinforcements ahead of his first full campaign at the helm.
Although influential figures behind the scenes have also held face-to-face talks with Liam Delap over a potential switch to Manchester United, after Ipswich Town gave permission for the striker to open conversations ahead of his expected departure, there is a possibility that they could dive into the market for a new first-choice shot-stopper in the coming months.
Red Devils May Look to Win Race for Martinez
Argentina international could be allowed to leave this summer
Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
Manchester United will be in the mix to sign 6 ft 5 colossus Martinez if Onana seals his exit during the summer, according to GMS sources, but Amorim is in danger of facing significant competition for a deal as Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League outfits are also showing interest in striking a deal with Aston Villa.
Although the World Cup-winning goalkeeper still has four years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £150,000-per-week, the Red Devils and other suitors have been given hope of being able to reach an agreement for his services as the transfer window edges closer.
That is because GMS sources have been informed that Aston Villa are not planning to stand in Martinez's way if a suitable proposal is lodged and they discover he wants to move onto pastures new, leading to further optimism that Manchester United could acquire his services if they go in search of a replacement for Onana.
Emiliano Martinez's statistics for Aston Villa this season
The Argentina international was visibly emotional following the Villans' victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, fuelling speculation that it was his final home encounter for his current employers and he is preparing to head for the exit door before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
Manchester United want to win the race for Martinez in the event of Onana quitting, GMS sources have learned, while ongoing uncertainty over the long-term future of Altay Bayindir means that Amorim is at risk of heading into next term without a senior option between the sticks unless he brings in a fresh face.
Amorim Facing Competition for Martinez Deal
Shot-stopper's preference remains to join side in Europe
Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
GMS sources have been told that Aston Villa are expected to sell Martinez if a bid in the region of £40million is tabled, but Manchester United's biggest competitors for a deal could prove to be Atletico Madrid as the La Liga heavyweights are in the market for a new custodian ahead of Jan Oblak potentially being given the chance to leave as part of a squad refresh.
The 32-year-old former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Reading loanee, who has been described as 'world-class' by Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell, has been in the Midlands since completing a move from Premier League rivals Arsenal in September 2020 and is preparing to assess his potential landing spots.
Martinez's preference is to remain in Europe instead of taking advantage of the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia if he leaves Aston Villa, GMS sources understand, which will come as a significant boost to Manchester United and Atletico Madrid ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table.
Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United and Ruben Amorim with Old Trafford and Man Utd logo background Related
Sir Alex Would Have Loved Him: Man Utd Must Land Ace With 'Sensational Football IQ'
This is the exact sort of deal Ferguson would have gone for when he was calling the shots at Old Trafford.
GMS sources recently revealed that the two-time Copa America winner could still walk away from his current surroundings if Champions League qualification is secured, meaning results on the final day of the domestic season will not necessarily have a significant impact on his future.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 21/05/2025
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