Manchester United now hold the strongest interest in a "sensational" goalkeeper target, having already made contact to discuss a deal, according to a report.
Man Utd looking to replace Andre Onana
It was yet another difficult campaign for Andre Onana at Old Trafford, with former United man Nemanja Matic particularly critical of the goalkeeper prior to the Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon.
Of course, Ruben Amorim's side went on to progress past the French club, but after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last month, it appears as though the manager has now set out to replace his goalkeeper.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Man United are well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a replacement for Onana, and there has since been a further update on their pursuit of the Argentina international.
According to a report from TyC Sports (via Sport Witness), United now hold the strongest interest in Martinez, having made contact to discuss a potential move several months ago, before ultimately deciding to stick with Onana.
emi-martinez-aston-villa
Barcelona have also expressed an interest in the Villa shot-stopper, but the La Liga champions now appear to be going for Joan Garcia, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford.
A deal could be on the expensive side, with the report revealing Unai Emery's side are set to hold out for a large fee, although it is unclear how much they would be looking to receive.
"Sensational" Martinez could be huge Onana upgrade
Onana would've been hoping that a good showing in the Europa League final would give him a shot at redemption, but he ultimately put in a disappointing display, and it is clear that Amorim must bring in an upgrade this summer.
There are signs the Argentine could fit the bill, having outperformed the Cameroonian across a number of key metrics for goalkeepers per 90 minutes over the past year.
Jamie Smith has lauded the 32-year-old as "sensational" in the past, and he won the Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2024, once again indicating that he would be a real improvement on Onana between the sticks.
Chelsea's Jadon Sancho celebrates scoring their third goal Related
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The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho...
It remains to be seen whether the £150k-a-week goalkeeper would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, without European football of any description on offer, but he would be a real statement signing for Man United this summer.