Aston Villa: La Liga giants now 'keeping an eye on' £45m star at Villa Park

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By Danny Rust

Published Sep 30, 2022

A £45million Aston Villa star has caught the eye of a La Liga giant but they could face competition from more clubs ahead of January, it has been claimed.

Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez is 'at the top of his game' and Atletico Madrid will not be the only club trying to prise him away from Villa Park in the coming months, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Midlands giants have endured a slow start to the season, having gone into the international break sitting three points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone, and boss Steven Gerrard may face a tough job attempting to hold onto his first choice goalkeeper.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What's the latest news involving Martinez?

According to the Mirror, Martinez has emerged as a target for Atletico and they could make a move if Jan Oblak leaves the La Liga side.

The report suggests the Villa shot-stopper has been added to Diego Simeone's shortlist as Oblak, whose £253,000-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer, has not signalled that he is eager to extend his stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Martinez was named his current employers' vice-captain during the summer, underlining his importance to Gerrard.

The 30-year-old has also played every minute of Villa's season so far and was between the sticks as Argentina overcame Jamaica in an international friendly earlier this week.

Martinez still has just shy of five years remaining on his £47,500-per-week contract, meaning Villa are in a strong negotiating position.

What has Dean Jones said about Martinez?

Jones believes Martinez is one of the leading goalkeepers in the world and, as a result, interest should not come as a surprise ahead of the January transfer window.

The journalist feels European giants Atletico will not be the only admirers mulling over whether to test Villa's resolve.

When asked whether Martinez could leave the Premier League side, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "This is a keeper, really, that's at the top of his game.

"I think that Atletico Madrid won't be the only club keeping an eye on this situation ahead of the transfer windows in 2023."

Is Martinez attracting interest from other clubs?

It is understood that Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Martinez as doubts over David De Gea's long-term future continue.

Villa forked out £20million to sign the South American from Premier League rivals Arsenal two years ago, but it would take a considerably higher fee to prise him away.

That is because Villa reportedly value Martinez at £45million as his contract situation means they are not under pressure to sanction his exit in the coming months.