Manchester United face competition from Europe’s elite in a pursuit of Emiliano Martinez as the race for the Aston Villa goalkeeper heats up, according to a report.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person over the weekend linked the Red Devils with a shock more for Martinez as the club weighs up options to upgrade the error-prone pairing of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
Ruben Amorim is believed to want a new goalkeeper this summer but the financial situation at Old Trafford means a high-profile signing is unlikely.
This does not rule out a move, it just means any deal will have to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
And with Villa reported to be open to the sale of their 32-year-old number one after a poor season with the Villans, Martinez may be a surprise candidate for this.
A host of clubs have been put on red-alert by this unexpected unavailability, however, including United.
A switch to the Saudi Pro League has also been suggested as Martinez is Villa’s best-paid player (outside of loanees – e.g. Marcus Rashford).
The Peoples Person relayed a report revealing Barcelona had expressed interest in the Argentinian international, who won the World Cup in 2022, but had withdrawn from the race after signalling their happiness with Wojiech Szczesny.
Eduardo Burgos (Diario As) now reveals Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have also “approached” Martinez over a potential move, along with the Red Devils.
El ‘Dibu’ Martínez tiene opciones de salir del Aston Villa este verano.
Dependerá de la Champions, pero el jugador quiere pelear por títulos.
Varios clubes le han sondeado: Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona y Atlético de Madrid.
Ojo, aún no hay ofertas oficiales. pic.twitter.com/4jLS235ZdM
— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) May 20, 2025
Translated Tweet: “‘Dibu’ Martínez has a chance of leaving Aston Villa this summer. It will depend on the Champions League, but the player wants to fight for titles.
“Several clubs have approached him: Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid. Note: There are no official offers yet.”
The Spanish journalist states there have been “no official offers yet” but the fact that three of Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping a watchful eye on Martinez’s situation, with the looming presence of interest from Saudi in the background, suggests this is a transfer saga that is just getting going this summer.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
