Martinez reveals two favorites, and rule out the possibility of transfer to the Saudi league

The future direction of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has become a major focus of the transfer market this summer. Although the Premier League finale last month, the transfer of the Argentina goal has been unresolved.

It is reported that Martinez's desire to leave the team was formed last season. Although he renewed his contract with Villa until 2028 last year and was one of the team's maximum-paid players, Martinez, 32, is eager to compete for important club honors later in his career. With his outstanding performance after joining Villa in 2022, especially in helping the Argentine national team win the World Cup, he has been awarded the FIFA goalkeeper of the year twice.

Martinez's name has been recently associated with many European giants. The Athletic disclosed that Martinez himself prefers to join Manchester United or another top European club of the same level, which clearly ruled out the possibility of transfer to the Saudi league. Barcelona was also a rumored object, but Barcelona has signed Espanyol goalkeeper Juan Garcia, reducing the possibility of introducing Martinez.

Manchester United is regarded as the most likely next player. It is reported that the Red Devils have been in touch with Martinez and his team since the beginning of the year. However, the biggest obstacle to this potential transfer is the future of Andre Onana, the current Manchester United goal. Martinez believes that his joining must be based on Onana's departure. At present, Manchester United has "maximum progress" in selling Onana or spending money to introduce new main goalkeepers. Previous news said that despite the interest in Ligue 1 Monaco, Onana himself was determined to stay at Old Trafford. Unless new coach Ruben Amorin clearly informs Cameroon international that he will lose his main position, the situation may be difficult to change.

Martinez's top goalkeeper career started late. He spent ten years at Arsenal, during which he rented out six times. It was not until the 2020 summer Premier League rematch, and he was given the opportunity to prove himself due to injury to Bainde Leno. It was precisely thanks to his outstanding performance in nine Premier League games during that period that Aston Villa signed Martinez, who was then 28, in 2020 for £20 million. As of the end of the 2024-25 season, he has played more than 200 games for Villa.