- Martinez was visibly emotional after Villa’s final home match of the campaign
- Some at Villa felt during the campaign that he had eyes on securing a move away
- LISTEN to Whistleblowers: Are Arsenal fans right to think they’ve been aggrieved by the fixtures?
Emi Martinez remains open to leaving Aston Villa this summer amid suggestions Manchester United could move for the World Cup winner.
The Argentine was emotional at the end of Villa’s final home game of last season, against Tottenham on May 16, and while this does not guarantee his departure, it is thought Martinez would consider a new challenge.
Mail Sport revealed on May 7 that Martinez had held discussions with the powerful Gestifute agency, run by Jorge Mendes, which raised the possibility of a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.
Yet Atletico, who have a strong Argentine core, could only advance for Martinez if their current No 1 Jan Oblak departs.
Oblak has interest from the Saudi Pro League yet the Slovenian, currently competing at the Club World Cup, has been unconvinced about leaving top-level European football. The 32-year-old also has three years left on a lucrative contract.
Though Martinez signed a new five-year deal with Villa less than a year ago, which made him one of the highest-paid players in the history of the club, some at Villa started to feel during last season that he had eyes on a move away.
Yet Villa are likely to let Martinez leave only if they have a replacement lined up.
Boss Unai Emery was very interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has since joined Barcelona.
As things stand, United expect to head into the new campaign with Andre Onana as their No 1, even though Monaco have shown interest in the former Ajax and Inter Milan player.
