Manchester United have made a decision on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Manchester United have reportedly ruled out a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez.
The Red Devils made an audacious loan approach for Martínez earlier this month, but it was rejected by Villa.
Martínez is under a long-term contract, having signed fresh terms less than a year ago, and Villa are said to value him at around £40 million.
He turns 33 in September and is one of the club’s highest earners, which had led to speculation that he could be moved on this summer.
That speculation stems from Villa’s need to reduce their wage bill this summer and next, following constructive talks with UEFA.
Martínez has played a key role in Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery, helping the club climb from relegation battles under Steven Gerrard to European qualification within just seven months.
In the 2023/24 season, Villa secured a Champions League place and came close to returning to UEFA’s elite competition again last term, reaching the quarter-finals in April.
However, their hopes of qualification were dashed after a 2–0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, a match in which they played with 10 men in the second half following Martínez’s red card.
A move to Manchester now appears unlikely. According to The Athletic, United have been informed that the goalkeeper is only available on a permanent transfer, and the asking price is not something they are willing to consider.
Martínez has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, though earlier in the summer he was not open to leaving European football.
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