Luciano Spalletti claims Emi Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa in transfer bombshell.
Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti has claimed Emiliano Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa.
Martinez continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Italian giants this summer, despite Villa insisting the goalkeeper will remain at Villa Park.
Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Juventus (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)placeholder image
Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Juventus (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Following Juventus’ pre-season friendly victory over Standard Liege, Spalletti was asked about the club’s interest in Martinez - and suggested the Argentina international is looking for a new challenge.
Gazzetta dello Sport quotes him as saying: “Emi Martinez? He’s a goalkeeper who wants to change clubs, and we're looking for competitiveness. But we currently have two goalkeepers.”
The World Cup winner has been at Villa Park since completing a £17 million move from Arsenal in 2020.
Martinez was expected to leave Villa last summer, with Manchester United among his strongest suitors, but the Red Devils ultimately opted to sign Senne Lammens instead.
The 34-year-old remained at Villa and went on to play a key role in one of the club’s most successful seasons in recent history, which culminated in Europa League triumph.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinezplaceholder image
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez | Getty Images
Martinez also suffered World Cup heartbreak with Argentina this summer, losing to Spain in the final.
Spalletti’s comments come after Villa chiefs insisted the club has no intention of selling their goalkeeper this summer.
Speaking ahead of Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England, Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany confirmed Martinez’s future had already been decided.
In an interview with 365Scores, he explained: “The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer.
“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.
“All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position.
“Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his team-mates.”