Man United
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 25 May 2025 7:00, UK
Man United will be well-placed to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez if they can cash in on Andre Onana in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what he has heard about the 32-year-old Villa goalkeeper’s future.
Martinez has lucrative offers on the table from the Saudi Pro League, but would prefer to stay in Europe at this stage of his career to compete at the top level.
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation after he appeared to wave goodbye to Villa fans following their final home game of the season.
This comes after former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Martinez’s camp are pushing to leave Aston Villa in favour of a big-money move elsewhere.
A fee of £35-40million is expected to be enough to get a deal over the line, but United must first move Onana on amid interest from Saudi clubs.
Emi-Martinez playing for Aston Villa
Emi Martinez has attracted plenty of interest. (Credit: Imago)
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Man United rival Chelsea for Emi Martinez deal after agent swap
Football Insider revealed on 22 May that Martinez has hired a new super agent in the latest hint that he could be leaving Villa Park this summer.
The Argentina international, 32, has been taken on as an A-list client of super-agent Jorge Mendes and his renowned Gestifute agency.
O’Rourke explained that there is no shortage of suitors for the goalkeeper, who is strongly hinting at a permanent move away when the window opens.
“*Emi Martinez made strong hints that he was probably leaving Aston Villa,*” he told Football Insider.
“He’s been named the best goalkeeper in the world twice for his exploits with Argentina and Villa as well.
“For Man United, any move is reliant on what happens with Andre Onana.
“If they can offload Onana for a decent fee, it will open the door for them to make a move for Martinez, but there are a lot of clubs who are interested in him.
“There are lucrative offers on the table from the Saudi Pro League, but he would prefer to stay in Europe.
“There’s also interest from Atletico Madrid.
“The chance to link up with his fellow Argentine Diego Simeone could be something of interest to him, especially if Jan Oblak was to leave.
“Chelsea have had their issues in the goalkeeping department as well.
“For Man United now, it’s going to be difficult to do a deal for Martinez.
“He’s under a long-term contract at Villa, and will command a decent fee of £35-40million which I think might be a bit rich for United.”
Man United manager Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim plans to strengthen his Man United squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Matheus Cunha update emerges – announcement ‘soon’
Martinez is not the only incoming signing being eyed at United, as they have been working hard to complete a deal for Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
Football Insider revealed on 23 May that United’s talks with Cunha are now very advanced despite their failure to qualify for European competitions.
Sources say the deal has now been wrapped up and will be announced “soon” after his £62.5million release clause was triggered in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 30 April that Cunha gave Man United encouragement over the deal despite their on-field performances in recent weeks.
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