‘Not a priority’ - Aston Villa transfer rumour abruptly quashed as alternative drawn up

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is not the priority goalkeeper target for Inter Milan despite rumours of an offer being lodged, a reputable report has claimed.

It had been widely speculated that the World Cup winner was the subject of a £13 million bid from Inter and, although this hasn’t been directly rubbished, it now seems unlikely to be the case.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Martínez is below Yann Sommer in the list as Inter look to sign a replacement for André Onana, who recently left for Manchester United.

Having delivered some decisive moments for Argentina in Qatar, Martínez won the Golden Glove award at the 2022 World Cup before being handed the best men’s goalkeeper prize at the 2022 The Best FIFA Football Awards.

The 30-year-old was also crucial to his club side, Villa, last campaign as they finished seventh in the Premier League and secured European football qualification for the first time in well over a decade.

Since signing from Arsenal for a fee of £15 million in 2020, Martínez has missed just four Premier League matches – two of which were when he was out in Argentina celebrating World Cup glory.

Last season was arguably the best of his career so far as he let in just 38 goals in 36 league fixtures, keeping 13 clean sheets in the process.

Martínez has already spoken of his desire to win trophies at Villa Park. “I would like to win a title with Aston Villa. You should never lose hope,” the goalkeeper said in February.

“I would like to [win the Champions League] with Aston Villa, but it will be difficult because the club is still in its growth phase,” Martínez continued.