A key Aston Villa player is being linked with a move away from the club this summer, and a former Premier League star has spoken about why it would be bad news for Unai Emery
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery doesn't know who will be his No.1 beyond the summer
(Image: Getty Images)
Worries are growing over the possibility of Emi Martinez's leaving Aston Villa – and one ex-Premier League star has warned how it could well become a "massive problem."
Speculation has been increasing that the Argentine goalkeeper might be departing Villa Park after an emotional display at the club's final home fixture against Tottenham. Martinez was visibly moved after the 2-0 victory over Spurs last Friday, acknowledging the fans in a way that sparked rumours of a farewell.
When quizzed on the future of his No.1, Villa manager Unai Emery was non-committal, only offering "we will see." The 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League during the upcoming summer transfer window, with reports from Argentina now claiming he has also caught the interest of Manchester United and Barcelona.
Former United and Birmingham shot-stopper Ben Foster admitted his astonishment at what appeared to be Martinez's unexpected swansong, confessing he "didn't see it coming." Foster, who also had a lengthy spell at West Brom, warned that Villa's aspirations of staying near the top of the Premier League next term might take a hit if he leaves.
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, he said: "At full time, it looked very evident that he is going to be leaving the club in the summer, which is a bit of a surprise to be honest with you. I didn't see it coming, I really didn't. He's been linked with a few teams, but I still never thought it would materialise.
"He was in tears at full time, which leads me to believe that something's already in the pipeline. I think this is a massive problem for Villa and I honestly think it's almost like they're sleepwalking into a massive problem.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Villa Park on May 16, 2025
Emiliano Martinez emotionally applauded Aston Villa fans after the Spurs game
"There's two people at that football club where I think if they left, it would really trouble them. One's the manager and one's Emi Martinez, because I still think Emi has got another three or four years left at the top level. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
Since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has been instrumental in the team's success, including qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals this season. His international career has also been illustrious, with two Copa America titles and a World Cup win with Argentina.
Despite signing a new four-year contract last August, Villa are reportedly preparing for Martinez's potential exit.
When questioned about the speculation surrounding his goalkeeper's future after Friday's match, Villa manager Emery said: "Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match."
Martinez is among Villa's top earners and it's believed the club is open to bids. He was bought for £20million five years ago and would likely command a hefty fee.
Arsenal target Joan Garcia is thought to be on Villa's list of potential replacements. The Espanyol goalkeeper has a £21m release clause in his contract and has already expressed his readiness to depart from the La Liga side.
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