'Heard whispers' - Intriguing Aston Villa transfer verdict drops on £17m gem amid 'best in the world' claim

Aston Villa find themselves in 7th place in the Premier League table. They are still hoping to get into Europe again this season. Their Champions League fate lies out of their own hands at this moment in time and they will hope that the team above them can slip up.

Unai Emery’s side won 1-0 at home to Fulham last time out in the league. Midfielder Youri Tielemens scored their winner in the first half against the Whites. Next up is an away trip to AFC Bournemouth this weekend as they hunt for another win.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez attracting transfer interest

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez could attract interest from elsewhere this summer, according to transfer expect Mick Brown. The 32-year-old, who is an Argentina international, has been a very valuable player for the Midlands outfit over recent years. However, there are question marks about his long-term future at Villa Park amid recent links.

Brown has said, as per a report by Football Insider: “I’ve heard whispers about Emi Martinez. It’s amazing how quickly things change in football, because Villa have gone from a mid-table team to a side who want to regularly be in the Champions League. They’ve build a really strong team and they don’t want to lose their most important players.

“Replacing people like Martinez is always far easier said than done, and they don’t want to be forced into that until they absolutely have to. I would be very surprised if Aston Villa let him go, they value him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He’s a World Cup winner who wants to be playing at the highest level, and that means playing in the Premier League and Champions League.

He added: “Emi Martinez is not a problem for Aston Villa and they will focus on more important areas. He is an exceptional goalkeeper and they have no intention of letting him go.”

Who could Aston Villa sign if Emi Martinez leaves?

Aston Villa would need to find a replacement if Martinez left. It would be hard to find someone like him and it would leave a void if he left. We have asked AI to sound out three options (via Grok):

Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid): “Lunin’s experience in high-stakes matches, including La Liga and Champions League, makes him a strong candidate. His youth and potential for growth align with Villa’s strategy of investing in players with long-term value.”

Joan García (Espanyol): “García represents a younger, long-term option who could grow into a Martinez-level goalkeeper. His potential availability makes him a realistic target, especially if Villa secure a high transfer fee for Martinez. However, his relative inexperience at the top level could be a risk.”

José Sá (Wolves): “Sá’s Premier League experience makes him a safer, short-term option to stabilize the position. However, at 32, he doesn’t offer the long-term potential of Lunin or García, and his age may not align with Villa’s focus on younger talents.”