Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: Getty Images)
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Aston Villa are set to complete the signing of Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg, and Emi Martinez may have known about the move before anyone else.
The Argentina goalkeeper will play in the World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday night after Lionel Scaloni's side beat Switzerland in extra time.
Following Argentina's 3-1 victory in Kansas, Martinez was seen in conversation with Manzambi, who missed the match through injury. Their exchange has since gone viral on social media.
After a brief discussion, Martinez broke into a broad smile, pointed at himself and said: "Going to Villa?!"
The footage seemingly suggests that Manzambi told Martinez he was heading to Villa and could soon become his new teammate. The goalkeeper appeared surprised, but equally delighted, by the news.
Manzambi impressed at this summer's World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the four matches he played.
An injury ruled him out of the round-of-16 clash against Colombia and the quarter-final against Argentina, but he has nevertheless emerged as one of Europe's brightest young talents.
The 20-year-old made 27 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg last season, recording 10 goal contributions, with five goals and five assists.
He also featured in all 15 of Freiburg's Europa League matches as they reached the final, where they were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa in Istanbul.
John Townley
John Townley
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