Aston Villa man dubbed 'expensive' for Manchester United as Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update

Aston Villa have been patient with their recruitment so far this summer. They aren’t rushing into any deals and are waiting for the right targets to become available. Unai Emery has the chance to bring in some reinforcements in this window to boost his squad.

In addition, he will also be able to sell some players to free up space and funds in his ranks if needed. The Midlands outfit missed out on a place in the Champions League last season. They finished outside the top five in the Premier League which means they have had to settle for the Europa League.

Aston Villa update regarding Emi Martinez and Manchester United emerges

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been linked with an exit to Manchester United recently. The Argentina international, who has made 53 caps for his country, won the World Cup back in 2022. He has been on the books at Villa Park since 2020 but his long-term future is up in the air at this moment in time.

In this latest update regarding the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford, journalist Fabrizio Romano has posted on X: “Understand Manchester United made initial contact to be informed on deal conditions for 23 year old GK Senne Lammens. Royal Antwerp goalkeeper among main names on Man Utd list if they decide to go for new GK this summer. Dibu Martínez also an option but more expensive.”

Martinez, 32, remains an ‘option’ for Ruben Amorim at United but is more ‘expensive’ than their other option Senne Lammens at Royal Antwerp, as per reporter Romano. He has made 212 appearances for his current club in all competitions, 53 of which came last season. Prior to his move, he spent 10 years at Arsenal and played 38 games for the Gunners, as well as loans at Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and others.

What now for Emi Martinez at Aston Villa?

It appears United are moving on to other targets with possible reservations about Martinez’s price tag at Aston Villa. The Red Devils finished down in 15th place in the last campaign and need to finish higher next term amid pressure from their hierarchy. There are question marks over the compatibility of their current number one Andre Onana, hence the links to Martinez as a replacement.

Former England player Paul Robinson has delivered his verdict on the situation, as per Football Insider: “I don’t understand why Villa would sell Martinez – unless there’s a fee for a 32-year-old that you can’t really turn down, I don’t see that [happening]. From Manchester United’s point of view; 100 per cent do what you can to sign him. He’s a better goalkeeper [than Onana], he’s a World Cup winner, he’s a character in the dressing room.

“I find it unlikely from Martinez and Aston Villa’s point of view, but from Manchester United’s point of view I completely get it. I can’t see Aston Villa doing it in all honesty, I can’t see them sanctioning a deal for him – and, why would you sell to a rival?”