Man Utd Door Opens For Martinez After Villa GK Deal

Manchester United transfer news and rumours including the latest on reported goalkeeper target Emi Martinez

Manchester United could be handed a boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, as the Midlands club are reportedly close to completing a deal for a new goalkeeper.

United have been strongly tipped to bolster their goalkeeping ranks this summer amid uncertainty over the long-term suitability of Andre Onana. Martinez is one of several names to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months.

Martinez has been at Villa for almost five years, having joined the club from Premier League side Arsenal in 2020. While he only made 38 appearances for the Gunners during his 10 years at the club, he has since established himself as a key figure at Villa Park, amassing over 200 appearances across all competitions.

The World Cup winner still has four years remaining on his current deal with Villa, but some reports this summer have suggested the club would be open to a sale for the right price in an effort to reduce their wage bill, leading to rumoured interest from the likes of United and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Now, if the latest reports are to be believed, Villa are closing in on the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot. According to The Mirror, the 34-year-old is set to join from Ligue 1 side Brest and is eager to test himself in the Premier League.

The report notes that Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Martinez’s future, as well as the departure of their no.2, Robin Olsen, who left as a free agent earlier this summer. With Villa covering their bases, it remains to be seen whether Bizot’s arrival could pave the way for Martinez’s exit.

The Argentina star addressed his future while away with his national team earlier this summer, telling reporters: “My future? I don’t know. I come here to play for the national team, and that’s the only thing that matters to me right now.

“Do I want to move to a new club? The transfer window just opened, so there’s still a long way to go.”

Manchestereveningnews.co.uk