following Andre Onana’s injury, Manchester United’s need to sign a replacement is well known, with links to Emiliano Martinez on the rise.
In fact, the Argentine is keen on a move, and formal negotiations have also reportedly started between the Red Devils and Aston Villa.
The only problem as per previous reports was that Villa were asking for £40 million, while the 20-time English league champions were only prepared to go as far as £33 million.
But that might not be the case if Clarin, Argentina’s largest newspaper, are to be believed. The outlet claimed that the World Cup winner has a secret clause in the region of €25 million, which United are prepared to trigger.
Secret clause
In fact, the Old Trafford side are ready to pay more than the release clause, a ploy they used to great effect to land Joshua Zirkzee last summer.
The Argentina international had admirers in Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League sides are also interested but it seems the 32-year-old is focused on a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
“With the Club World Cup looming, it was widely expected that the Argentina national team goalkeeper, one of the best in the world at his position, would join a European giant. And that appears to be the case, as he is close to a transfer to Manchester United.
“Reports indicate there are ongoing negotiations between clubs, so the final transaction amount would be higher than the €25 million buyout clause. It would represent a qualitative leap in his career, moving to one of the most important clubs in the world.”
Move to United edging closer
There have been reports stating that the only way United can afford the ex-Arsenal star is if Onana is sold this window.
But following his injury, a sale is even more unlikely. But if Emiliano Martinez indeed as a €25 million release clause, it would be a huge help for INEOS.
British media have never mentioned this clause, so we must take this update with a pinch of salt.
Apart from the No.1 jersey, United are also on the lookout for a backup keeper who can challenge the top keeper, with Amorim far from pleased with Altay Bayindir’s form.
Feature image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
