According to reports Argentine shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez could exit Aston Villa this summer in the midst of interest from several clubs in the Premier League.
Emiliano Martinez rose to world-wide reckoning last year with several important performances as Argentina lifted their first World Cup since 1986.
Based on reports from TYC Sports, the former Arsenal goalie has a number of alternatives in the incoming transfer window.
Several clubs are said to be making moves to try and snatch the 30-year-old goalie from Villa with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all interested in getting his signature.
The report claims that teams have been keeping an eye on him due to his exploits with Aston Villa and Argentina, several teams have made him a priority choice as a natural replacement to their present number one shot-stoppers.
It is said that Tottenham Hotspur as things stands lead the race to acquire the Argentine’s services with club captain Hugo Lloris having reportedly played his last match for the team after sustaining a knock that has ruled him out of action for the remainder of the season.
It is uncertain if Emiliano Martinez would join north London side Tottenham Hotspur having spent many years at Arsenal.
However, his place as their number one would be much more certain than at the other two clubs reported to be looking at signing him.
Chelsea are said to be the next favorites to land the Argentine after Tottenham Hotspur with doubt hovering around both shot-stoppers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Eduoard Mendy.
Despite the fact that Spaniard Kepa has been manning the post for most games this season having earned the No 1 spot over Mendy, there are still worries as regards his inconsistencies.
Traits in which Emiliano Martinez is known for, alongside an imposing presence in the penalty box, are in many times those which Kepa’s critics use in lashing the Spanish goalie.
In the midst of reports that he is set to put pen-to-paper for a new deal, doubts remain over David de Gea’s future as Manchester United’s No 1.
Some of the reasons Manchester United have decided to award him a new contract, although on lowered contractual terms, is owing to the amount the club could spend in replacing him.
De Gea has also been criticized many times for his inability to use his feet and Emiliano Martinez might provide a good replacement in his stead.
Reports however suggest that Emiliano Martinez would not cost a very staggering amount, with Aston Villa intent on making back all of the £17m they paid Arsenal in 2020 and even more.
His impressive form whilst donning the colors of Aston Villa has also translated to the senior national team of Argentina.
But there have been pointers this campaign that his relationship with Unai Emery has not been smooth.
After Emiliano Martinez’s seemingly unsportsmanlike behavior following Argentina’s World Cup victory, Emery looked to imply he was not a big fan of his antics and said he would discuss with him concerning it.
Unai Emery said: “When you have great emotions it is difficult to control.
“I’ll talk to him next week about some celebrations. I respect that he is with his team.
“When he is with us, under our responsibility, we will be able to talk to him.”
Additionally, Emery was left angry when Emiliano Martinez ran up the field for a corner in the dying embers of their game against Arsenal at Villa Park.
Aston Villa were behind 3-2 following a late own goal. Martinez then ran to the opposition’s half for a corner late on, only for Arsenal to clear easily and Gabriel Martinelli to convert into an empty net.
The Spaniard said: “He decided himself to go up. They are the protagonists but I told him I don’t like it.
“I told him that… Maybe goalkeepers can score in the history one or two times, there’s more goals scored against you. We wasted more time than I want.”
Emiliano Martinez has featured in 109 games cumulatively for Aston Villa having joined the side from Arsenal in 2020.
The 30-year-old exited Arsenal after he wasn’t given the right assurances on a starting shirt in the club while negotiating a new deal.
He spent 8 years at Arsenal before leaving for the club based in the West Midlands.
Who is Emiliano Martinez and when was he born?
Emiliano Martinez is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League team Aston Villa and the Argentina national team.
He was born on the 2nd of September in 1992.
Emiliano Martinez’s wife and children
Martínez has been married to Amanda “Mandinha” since 2017 and the pair have a son named Santi who was born in 2018 and a daughter named Ava who was born in 2021.
Emiliano Martinez’s salary and net worth
The Argentine who was born in Mar del Plata earns £9,615 weekly at Aston Villa and his net worth is estimated to be £1.5 million.
Emiliano Martinez, as he is known in England, has been known as “Dibu Martinez” from his tender days.
The nickname comes from a character named “Dibu” which means (Draw) from an Argentine television series Mi Familia es un Dibujo which translates to “My family is a drawing”.
