Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was holding back the tears this past weekend, as he played what looked like may be his final game at Villa Park. The Argentina international looks set to move on, and already suitors are showing interest in him.

Martinez, 32, has a contract until 2029 with Villa, but they appear to be keen to cash in on him. Previously it has also been suggested that he is not to the taste of manager Unai Emery. Sporting Director Monchi has reportedly set a €47.5m price tag, with reports that he is keen to activate Joan Garcia’s release clause at Espanyol.

Barcelona links to ‘Dibu’ Martinez
Earlier in the week, it was reported that Barcelona were also interested in Martinez, but that seems uncertain, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny thought to be the pairing in mind for next season. If they are to bring a new goalkeeper, it also seems likely they will go for a younger option.

Manchester United and Atletico Madrid more serious candidates

In Spain, Diario AS have confirmed a report from Gaston Edul that Atletico have made an informal enquiry about Martinez, with Diego Simeone very keen on his compatriot. Manchester United, who are searching for a replacement for Andre Onana, are another top candidate, but Martinez is said to have a number of options.

This much is also corroborated by TalkSport in England, who add that Saudi Arabia are also keen to sign Martinez, but so far he has rejected that idea. Martinez prefers to remain in Europe.

Price tag to be a problem?
For Atletico Madrid, it is no surprise that they are keen on Martinez, having brought in one of his competitors in the Argentina team Juan Musso on loan this past summer. There has been talk that Los Rojiblancos are looking to the future beyond Jan Oblak, one of their highest earners, but Martinez is no younger than Oblak. The Slovenian has a contract until 2028, and even if there is less confidence in him than there once was, it would be a major surprise if they spent big on Martinez to replace Oblak.

Football-espana.net

Chelsea appear to have joined the race to sign Rodrygo. The 24-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League recently after supposedly falling out of favour at Real Madrid.

Rodrygo, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, has featured 30 times in La Liga this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. The Brazil international was once a key player for Los Blancos, but now he struggles to stay in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

With Enzo Maresca eager to strengthen his attacking options this summer, Rodrygo has emerged as a potential target. According to GOAL Brazil, Chelsea are closely monitoring his situation in the Spanish capital, and they’re considering a bid.

The report claims the Blues have not opened talks with Real Madrid yet, but they have contacted the Brazilian’s entourage to understand the possibility of a move in the upcoming transfer window.

Earlier this month, Marca reported that Rodrygo doesn’t want to play for Los Blancos again. The report claimed that the winger feels ‘displaced’ after the ‘media explosion’ surrounding Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, which created a ‘rift’ with Vinicius Junior.

The Spanish sports newspaper also claimed that Rodrygo was angry at having lost his starring role, which he had hoped to share with his fellow countryman. Marca added that his relationship with his teammates has ‘deteriorated significantly,’ as a result.

A few days later, Rodrygo broke his silence. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the winger wrote: “Thanks for all the messages and concerns. I’ll be back soon [praying hands emoji]. Stop creating things [face palm emoji].”

Rodrygo showed signs of discomfort at the Santiago Bernabeu back in September 2024 when he suggested he was unhappy with how he was being used at Real Madrid.

More often than not, Ancelotti has played the left winger out of position.

In order to accommodate Vinicius Jr, and more recently Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo has been utilised on the right or as a striker. While on international duty, as quoted by ESPN, the Chelsea target said: “Often, I’m just filling spaces.

“Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”

Later responding to Rodrygo’s comments, Ancelotti said: “I’ve never put a player in a position that he doesn’t like. “Sometimes some [players] have to make sacrifices, like Camavinga, like Tchouameni has, like Rodrygo.

“I think Rodrygo is a complete forward.”

Football.london

Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with a former Manchester United star and now intend to table a bid after an important final on Sunday.

Real Madrid have wasted no time addressing what they believe to be the biggest issue that hamstrung their season. Xabi Alonso will take the reins from Carlo Ancelotti and the Spaniard will be working with an almost completely new defence next season.

Defensive issues and injuries plagued Los Blancos this term, but in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, two of the back four will be changed.

A left-back is also wanted and Real Madrid hope to have the new face in situ and available to feature in the revamped Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14.

Links to Milos Kerkez have come and gone, with the Hungarian now on course to join Liverpool. Instead, Real Madrid have accelerated their attempts to sign former Man Utd defender, Alvaro Carreras.

United sold Carreras to Benfica in a deal worth an initial €6m last summer. After dazzling in Portugal, the Spaniard now wishes to return to his home country of Spain and will get that chance through Real Madrid.

Taking to X, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old. Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger also confirmed an agreement with the player is in place.

Real Madrid now intend to launch their first bid for Carreras after Sunday’s Taca de Portugal final between Benfica and Sporting CP.

The LaLiga giants can take Benfica out of the equation by triggering Carreras’ release clause, believed to be worth around €50m.

However, Berger insisted Real’s plan is to negotiate a lower transfer fee and the fact they’ve already agreed personal terms with the player gives them an edge in negotiations.

Man Utd to benefit from Alvaro Carreras transfer
Man Utd considered re-signing Carreras when searching for a new left-back in January. A buy-back clause worth just £15m is present in the deal, though United opted to sign Patrick Dorgu instead.

Fast forward to the present day and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United still have no plans to bring Carreras back to Old Trafford.

Many Man Utd fans may be left wondering why their club don’t wish to sign a player Real Madrid want, especially given the reduced sum United can strike a deal for.

But with Dorgu and Luke Shaw in situ and funds tighter than usual in Manchester, the club see no sense in adding another left-back/left wing-back to their ranks when other positions are crying out for improvement.

Nonetheless, Man Utd are still in line to benefit from a Carreras transfer by way of a sell-on clause.

How big of a percentage Man Utd will be due isn’t yet clear, though the presence of the clause has been verified and United will hope Benfica drive a hard bargain in negotiations with Real Madrid.

Latest Man Utd & Real Madrid news – Amorim vs Wilcox / ANOTHER raid on Liverpool
In other news, Ruben Amorim and Jason Wilcox are at odds over which striker Man Utd should sign.

And unfortunately for the manager, it appears the technical director will get his way.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid could complete a total overhaul of their defence by signing a FOURTH defender.

Alexander-Arnold has already been banked and Liverpool teammate, Ibrahima Konate – who only has one year remaining on his contract – is now in Los Blancos’ sights.

And factoring in his dwindling contract, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a bargain basement bid.

Teamtalk.com