Bayern Munich ‘monitoring’ Aston Villa star following Harry Kane arrival

Aston Villa’s early season optimism may have taken a hit following their opening day hammering at Newcastle, but Unai Emery’s men should still be confident about what lies ahead this campaign.

For Villa, there is added excitement as Emery’s side prepare to return to European competition after they secured a place in the Europa Conference League.

Injuries to Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendía may have altered Emery’s transfer plans, but overall it has been a positive summer after the former Arsenal manager added the likes of Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres to his squad during the close-season.

And one man Villa fans will be desperate to keep hold of this summer is goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The World Cup-winning shot-stopper had been linked with a move away from Villa Park in the past, and it’s now being reported that German champions Bayern Munich are monitoring the Argentine.

Thomas Tuchel is looking for an established number one to replace the injured Manuel Neuer, who is still recovering from the broken leg he sustained last season. After allowing Yann Sommer to leave for Inter Milan, Bayern also considered Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizalbalaga to replace Neuer, but he has since joinced Real Madrid.

The Sun has reported (via TyC Sports) that the German club are now looking at Martinez. The 30-year-old, who has a contract at Villa Park until 2027, is a key member of Villa’s squad and it would certainly take a significant fee to prize him away from the Midlands club. After spending £100 million on England captain Harry Kane, such a fee could force Bayern to look elsewhere.

Both David de Gea and Stefan Ortega have also been linked with moves to the Allianz Arena to replace the injured Neuer.

Transfer news

Elsewhere, Villa are said to hold an interest in signing Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist posted this morning that the Villains have a ‘genuine interest’ in Marcos Acuna. He is said to be on the list as Unai Emery‘s ‘potential next target’ though there has been no agreement on a fee with Sevilla. Romano adds that the player is keen on experiencing Premier League football.

Acuna is an Argentina international, and is a teammate of Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia. It is reported by Vamos Mi Sevilla that Acuna’s club value him at £13m, but they could offer Diego Carlos as part of the deal to bring down the overall transfer fee.