Why the biggest Aston Villa transfer news this summer wouldn't be a signing or a sale

Aston Villa have had a tough start to the Premier League season following a quiet summer and good news has been at a premium for Villa fans in recent months.

So the fact that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is still at the club could come as a pleasant surprise. The Argentina World Cup winner appeared to wave an emotional goodbye to Villa Park back in May and speculation over an exit has raged throughout the summer transfer window, but nothing has materialised and it appears set to stay that way.

Manchester United were seen as his most likely suitors but the Red Devils have not pursued a permanent transfer, with Villa unlikely to ever accept a loan deal considering they were only willing to sell Martinez for PSR reasons. Furthermore, the sale of academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United has meant that such issues are unlikely to impact Villa’s dealings in the final week of the window.

Emiliano Martinez looks set to stay at Aston Villa

Reported by Football Insider, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Martinez departs this summer and Unai Emery is reportedly glad still to have his No.1 at the club for another year.

In addition to interest from United, big-money offers from Saudi Arabia were received and quickly rejected by the player, who hopes to remain competing at the highest level in Europe.

Pete O’Rourke said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast: “[Martinez] remains part of Emery’s plans after he missed their opening game of the season through suspension. At the back end of last season, it looked like a departure was inevitable for Martinez with that emotional final game at Villa Park.

“Manchester United showed a bit of interest on a potential loan, but that was never going to work with Aston Villa. They were only going to consider selling the Argentine for big, big money, so they could maybe use that to reinvest in the squad. Emery wants to keep hold of Emiliano Martinez.”

Martinez staying could be the perfect news for Villa

After a difficult start to the new season, this could be just the news Aston Villa needed as August comes to a close. The qualities which Martinez brings to the side are undeniable. But the first key reason this is great for the club is continuity.

Continuity is a word which has been bandied around a lot this summer as many top sides in the Premier League have completely revamped their squads. Amidst all the madness, the value of keeping together a core group of players has begun to be recognised. Just look at reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, for example - Arne Slot’s side made one signing last summer and went on to win the league at a canter.

Not to say that should be the Villans’ target, but to keep hold of an experienced trophy-winning star in Martinez gives Emery’s defensive unit not only a continuity, but an experience which they would simply have lacked otherwise. Alongside other experienced pros such as John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, Villa have thus far kept together the spine of their successful side and that could serve Emery well.

Attacking reinforcements may be a necessity in order to take the side to the next level, but it is important to build from a position of strength. Keeping hold of two-time Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper winner Martinez would go a long way to achieving this.