Emiliano Martinez looks set for a move away from England, despite being 'desperate' for a Manchester United transfer.
That's according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who claims the Aston Villa No.1 has his sights set on more glamorous surroundings after a move to Old Trafford fell through in the 2025 summer transfer window.
Aston Villa goalkeeper gestures to fans
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The Villa goalkeeper looks set to leave England in the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
A longtime last line of defence of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, Martinez was essential in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win and has since been rated as one of the world’s greatest between the sticks.
Last summer, talkSPORT reported that then United boss Ruben Amorim coveted the keeper, with Red Devils centre-back Lisandro Martínez hailing his compatriot.
However, the club ultimately opted for 23-year-old Belgian prospect Senne Lammens, meaning ‘el Dibu’ remained in Birmingham.
Joining Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT Breakfast, Crook said the 'keeper wants change despite Villa currently sitting third in the Premier League table.
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“The talk of Emi Martinez to Inter Milan is certainly gathering pace over in Italy," he reported.
"Not necessarily for this transfer window, but certainly for the summer when Yann Sommer, who I think is out of contract, likely to leave the club.
“And I've just got the feeling, for a few windows now, that Martinez is maybe is looking for a new challenge. He flirted quite heavily with Manchester United, in the final hours of the summer window.”
Cristian Chivu’s Inter are sitting pretty at the top of Serie A and can all but guarantee him Champions League football next season, as well as a good shot at adding a Scudetto to his trophy collection.
Villa legend Agbonlahor gave his two cents on the issue in response, claiming his old club are better off parting ways with Martinez anyway, especially given he has long been eyeing a move.
“I know for a fact, mate, he did more than flirt [with Man United]. He was desperate to go. Desperate to go."
Referring to Villa’s recent loss to Everton, he added: “I think with Martinezm the goal that Everton scored, it was poor goalkeeping for him.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez reacts during a game
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Martinez appears set to say bye to England with a move to Inter possibleCredit: Getty
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery shouts on the touchline
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A sale could give Unai Emery's side some much needed PSR headroom, as the governance system has limited the clubs spendingCredit: Getty
"When he's at it, he's still a top goalkeeper, but he's been inconsistent this season, injury problems again. He's not going to be involved [against Fenerbahce in the Europa League] so maybe it's time for Aston Villa to move on.”
After the keeper’s desire to move became public, he was dropped at the start of the season, leading to a viral interview moment before Aston Villa’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace where boss Emery repeated 'Marco Bizot' - the name of his No.2 goalkeeper - when asked about the reason why Martinez was left out.
And while the Argentine has long since been reintegrated into the side, he has had injury setbacks this season, placing limits on his playing time.
His howler of a red card on the last day of last season against Man United, which saw Villa fail to qualify for Champions League football, will likely still be in the minds of some Villa fans, with many supporters accepting it might be the right time to part ways.
With PSR always a concern in the new rules-based Premier League order, Martinez's exit may also see Villa bring some spendable money into the club, with the World Cup Golden Glove winner’s current deal set to run out in 2029.