Emiliano Martinez is so desperate to leave Aston Villa that he has “offered” himself to Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim keen on strengthening between the sticks.
The reason being Andre Onana’s horror show in goal last season, which cost the Red Devils big-time in both the Premier League and Europa League.
However, a deal for the Argentine is dependent on the Cameroonian leaving, and despite INEOS offering his services to clubs all across the Saudi Pro League, no concrete offers have arrived.
Which is why the current United No.1 is confident of retaining his place heading into the new season. There is tentative interest from Neom SC, a club Onana is hesitant to join for now.
Emiliano Martinez has offered himself to United
Apart from a striker, Amorim knows how important it is to recruit an elite shot-stopper heading into his first full season, and a World Cup winner offering himself to the 20-time English league champions is indeed great news.
But as Givemesport have explained, the Villa goalie will cost around £40 million, with the English side in danger of breaching PSR restrictions, which is why they are looking at a major sale to balance the books.
“Martinez has offered himself to Manchester United as he seeks a move away from Aston Villa, according to GMS sources, and his current employers have refused to rule out reluctantly granting his wish due to fears of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules if they do not sanction big-money sales.
“GMS sources have been informed that, in a major twist, Martinez has made it clear that he is willing to join Manchester United if they make an approach despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League but – having remained a regular starter for Aston Villa – it could take close to £40million in order for the deal to get over the line in the coming weeks.”
£40million for a keeper is a tall order for INEOS
INEOS are likely to play hardball in order to bring the price down, but most importantly, that will only be possible once there is clarity on Onana’s future.
With recruiting a striker being top priority at the moment, no call has been taken by the co-owners as yet.
Atletico Madrid have been earmarked as a potential landing spot for the Argentina international if United refrain from making a summer move.
As things stand, even if a goalkeeper were to be hired, it is likely to be done towards the end of the summer window, once sufficient player sales have been conducted.
A backup keeper could also be targeted with Altay Bayindir’s future also up in the air, but so far, the Turkiye international has found it hard to earn a move back to his homeland.
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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
