Aston Villa are reportedly confident of retaining Emiliano Martinez amidst interest from Manchester United.
What looked like a farewell may have simply been a moment of raw emotion. Emiliano Martinez’s teary-eyed wave to the Villa Park faithful at the end of last season had many in the Premier League convinced it was a goodbye. Yet, just weeks before the new campaign begins, the Argentine goalkeeper remains firmly rooted in Birmingham, and according to Marca, he is not going anywhere.
Aston Villa are now quietly confident that one of the best goalkeepers in world football will continue between the sticks in claret and blue for the foreseeable future. Despite speculation surrounding his future, including interest from Manchester United, there has been no formal offer that has met Villa’s expectations.
Manchester United’s discussions involved only a loan deal, coupled with compensation that Aston Villa deemed insufficient. For a player of Martinez’s calibre, who is under contract until 2028 and is the highest-paid player in the squad, it was never going to be enough.
Emiliano Martinez: A world-class keeper with a club building around him
Martinez’s tenure at Aston Villa has been nothing short of transformational. Since arriving from Arsenal in 2020, he has clocked up over 200 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club’s stunning return to the UEFA Champions League. His form with the Argentine national team, highlighted by Copa America and World Cup glory, has only elevated his status globally, with many experts considering him among the top three goalkeepers in the world.
But crucially, he remains just as important to Unai Emery’s project at Villa Park. The manager, the board, and the backroom staff all view the Argentine as a central pillar, a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room. His consistent pre-season performances have only reaffirmed that belief.
Internally, there is no desire to let him go. In fact, Aston Villa believe this could be the year where Martínez helps take the club to new heights in Europe, an opportunity he is believed to be excited about.
In a market full of speculative links and inflated values, Aston Villa’s stance on Martinez feels refreshingly grounded. Rather than cashing in or being swayed by vague interest, the club has prioritised continuity and ambition, qualities that should serve them well in the Champions League and beyond.
As for Martinez, staying put might be the smartest move too. He is the undisputed No. 1, adored by fans, and trusted by a manager who believes in him. With Aston Villa on the rise, there is no need to look elsewhere. For now, the tears at Villa Park seem to have been for the end of one season, not the end of a story.