United set to launch talks with rival club in “the next few days” over deal for World Cup winner – report

Manchester United are reportedly “advancing in talks” for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and are planning to launch talks with Aston Villa imminently.

United are thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper amidst uncertainty over the future of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Both Onana and Bayindir struggled to impress last season, with a string of high-profile mistakes proving costly for United in key moments. The spotlight has fallen particularly on Onana, who has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper since his 2023 move from Inter Milan.

The Cameroonian has been linked with a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League, though conflicting reports indicate he’s likely to stay, with United believed to be prioritising reinforcements in other, more pressing areas of the squad.

Still, the transfer rumour mill is buzzing with claims that United are actively searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper and Martinez is emerging as the leading contender for the role.

Martinez was not expected to leave Villa Park this summer until he bid an emotional farewell to the club’s supporters after their victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their final home game of the 2024/25 season.

The Argentine is understood to be keen on a new adventure and he is open to joining United.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Martinez has “offered himself” to the Red Devils. Villa value the player at £40m.

This information was corroborated by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who relayed that Martinez has not been put off by United’s lack of European football and would have no issue donning the gloves for the club regardless.

It’s believed United have already established contact with the 32-year-old’s camp.

Now, Argentina-based journalist Uriel Iugt has given an update, indicating that talks between United and Martinez are intensifying.

Uriel lugt wrote on X, “Manchester United advances in the talks for Emiliano Martínez.”

“The goalkeeper is willing to go to the Red Devils and formal negotiations with Aston Villa are expected to being in the next few days.”

🚨🇦🇷#ManchesterUnited avanza en las conversaciones por Emiliano Martínez.

↪️ El arquero está dispuesto a ir a los “Diablos Rojos” y se espera que en los próximos días comiencen las negociaciones formales con #AstonVilla. pic.twitter.com/8TzXbEaUFy

— Uriel Iugt (@urieliugt) June 19, 2025

Martinez kept 15 clean sheets for Villa in the 53 appearances he made across all competitions last season.

Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images

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