David Tully Jul 30th 2025
Man United have “effectively ruled out” a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to reports.
The Red Devils tabled a loan offer for the former Arsenal player over a week ago but they were told that the shot-stopper would only leave on a permanent basis.
With United unwilling to match Villa’s asking price, The Athletic reports that the Manchester club have ended their interest in Martinez. Most fans on X are happy that the Argentinian international won’t be making the switch to Old Trafford:
Phew
— GSB! 💯🇾🇪 (@Bushy70191675) July 29, 2025
Good. Never wanted him anyway.
— Sir Bugie (@BugieKay) July 29, 2025
Good one! Villa are trying to take advantage of Manchester United. Remember never to loan any player to them in future🚨
— El Blak (@iamelblak85) July 29, 2025
If we can buy Lemmens for 17m and keep Onana as well, it’s good. Lemmens is just 23 and will cost much lower in wages. The moment he is properly integrated we can sell Onana too.
— AntiED (@ed_anti) July 29, 2025
Happy days Donnarumma it is 😀
— Stephen (@GloryGlory_99) July 29, 2025
I don’t hate this. Way too expensive, just go and get Lammens.
— UnitedFocus (@The_UnitedFocus) July 29, 2025
How much were Villa demanding for Martinez?
It is believed that the 32-year-old’s asking price was between £30m and £40m, which is not an amount that United were willing to pay.
While Ruben Amorim’s side are seeking a potential replacement for Andre Onana, the club’s limited transfer budget means that they cannot afford to spend so much on Martinez, especially when there are other areas of the pitch in need of strengthening.
Are Man United looking at alternatives?
Royal Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens is said to be a candidate. The Belgian is reportedly available for €20m (£17m). Read more about him in this article here.
The Red Devils may opt for a slightly more experienced option. Scouts have identified Botafogo’s John Victor as a target, having watched the Brazilian on several occasions.
In other news, read our exclusive interview with Wes Brown as he names the Man United player who could outperform Bruno Fernandes next season
David Tully
David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World’s Football News Network.
