Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could leave the club if ‘the offer is big enough’, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.
The 30-year-old has been tentatively linked with a move away from Villa Park in recent weeks due to his impressive displays for both club and country despite the summer transfer window being several months away.
Aston Villa news – Emiliano Martinez
According to the Daily Mail, Villa are ‘anticipating offers’ for Martinez when the market reopens for business but are under no pressure to sell him.
The World Cup-winning shot-stopper did hint that his future could lie away from the Midlands outfit in a recent interview, though, stating his desire to play in the Champions League.
“I have the feeling that today I have the level to play in the Champions League and try to win it,” admitted Martinez.
“I would like to win a title with Aston Villa. You should never lose hope. I would like to (win the Champions League) with Aston Villa, but it will be difficult because the club is still in its growth phase.”
However, Villa are firmly in the driving seat when it comes to Martinez’s future after the South American put pen to paper on a new five-and-a-half-year deal worth £100,000-per-week in January 2022.
What has Jones said about Martinez?
Villa appear to be making steady progress under the tutelage of manager Unai Emery following his arrival towards the end of last year.
When asked by GMS if Martinez’s sale would be something the Villans would consider, Jones disclosed that he believes it is ‘plausible’ if the right offer arrives.
He said: “To be honest, I think if the offer is big enough, it's probably plausible. There's been talk of him leaving before.”
How big a loss would Martinez be?
Martinez arrived at Villa back in 2020 after completing a £17 million switch from Arsenal just months after he helped the Gunners claim the FA Cup.
Since then, the 6 foot 5 ace has racked up 96 appearances across all competitions for Emery’s charges, leaking 123 goals and keeping 31 clean sheets.
Losing Martinez would, therefore, surely be a bitter blow to Emery as he looks to build a winning side at Villa capable of challenging for the European places.
Yet the talented goalkeeper would demand a high price in the market, potentially providing Emery with extra funds to strengthen his first-team squad.