Emi Martinez ‘approached’ by four European giants ahead of blockbuster summer transfer

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to leave the club in the summer transfer window after what appeared to be an emotional goodbye at Villa Park on Friday.

Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the Champions League for the second successive season but Martinez was in tears after the match as he and his teammates thanked the Villa fans for their support in a historic season for the West Midlands club.

Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and the 32-year-old has gone from strength to strength, going from an uncapped back-up to a Premier League first choice with 51 international appearances for Argentina, a World Cup and two Copa America wins to his name.

He is a beloved fan favourite at Villa Park but the rumour mill has cranked up several gears since Friday night.

Reporters on the Villa beat have indicated that Villa plan to stand firm. Martinez has four years left on his contract, which puts them in a position of strength, but the need for a significant PSR sale or set of sales could tempt them to cash in on one of their most sellable players.

Martinez has finished the season well as Villa’s form has dragged them back into Champions League contention but hasn’t quite been at his imperious best in 2024-25.

While his ability to deal with crosses, confident command of his penalty area and willingness to draw opponents in with the ball at his feet have been useful tools for Unai Emery’s side, Villa have conceded from the first shot on target faced by Martinez in more than 20 matches.

Emi Martinez is a two-time Yashin Award winner (Image: Getty)

But, as the reigning two-time Yashin Award winner, he is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world. He will have his pick of clubs if a departure is imminent.

According to journalist Eduardo Burgos, Martinez has been approached by four clubs but no bid has been made.

“‘Dibu’ Martínez has a chance of leaving Aston Villa this summer,” Burgos posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“It will depend on the Champions League, but the player wants to fight for titles.

“Several clubs have approached him: Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid.”

Martinez will need to maintain his focus on Sunday, when Villa’s Premier League season comes to a close with an away game against Man Utd that they really need to win if they’re to have any hope of claiming a Champions League place again.