Ben Jacobs delivers intriguing Aston Villa transfer update amid 'stronger financial position' claim

Aston Villa are gearing up for the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Unai Emery has been in charge since joining back in 2022. The Spaniard, who has managed the likes of PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal in the past, has made a positive impression since joining his current club.

The Midlands outfit have the chance to bring in some new signings this summer. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed. That would help free up space and funds in their ranks to pave the way for reinforcements.

Aston Villa goalkeeper update emerges

Aston Villa are in a ‘stronger financial position’ after selling their women’s team and are not under pressure to sell Emi Martinez, according to journalist Ben Jacobs on X. The goalkeeper has been linked with a move to league rivals Manchester United. His long-term future is up in the air at this moment in time but his current club don’t need to cash in on him with their PSR situation under control.

Reporter Jacobs has posted this update on social media: “Situation remains the same with Emi Martinez. Villa keeper keen on a move, but #MUFC yet to decide. Villa also now in a stronger financial position following sale of women’s team. Original plan was to bring in a young No.2. Talks for Senne Lammens ongoing, as revealed.”

Martinez, 32, has been on the books of Aston Villa since 2020. Prior to his move, he spent a decade with Arsenal. He played 38 games during his time at the Emirates Stadium and also had loan spells away with the likes of Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves, Rotherham United, Getafe and Reading to get some experience under his belt.

He rocked up at Villa Park five years ago and has since made the number one spot his own. The Argentina international, who won the World Cup in 2022, has made 212 appearances in all competitions. He played 53 games last term as they missed out on Champions League football.

What now for Emi Martinez at Aston Villa?

Martinez is under contract until 2029 so still has a few years left still to run down. Manchester United could see him as a replacement for Andre Onana, who is under scrunity at the moment. It is yet to be known whether the Red Devils will be able to strike an agreement as they hunt for additions under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.

The ‘keeper has worked under Emery for a while now and said in an interview back in 2023: "I have known him for a long time. When he signed for the club I was over the moon. I knew how well he worked. But he surprised me as well how he had developed as a manager.

"It is his second time in the Premier League, he was probably more prepared. He can make decisions here rather than listen to those above. For me he is one of the top five managers in the world right now."