Unai Emery faces major transfer decision as Aston Villa star’s exit ‘in the pipeline’ with Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham interested

Aston Villa could face a major decision in the transfer market this summer after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was linked with a move to three Premier League rivals.

The Argentina number one has made himself a firm favourite with the Villa Park faithful since making a £17m move from Arsenal in September 2020. Martinez has gone on to keep 39 clean sheets in 109 appearances and his form has been one of the key factors in helping Unai Emery’s side make a late push for a return to European competition after a 12-year absence.

The former Wolves and Reading loan star has enjoyed a remarkable season after he played a significant role in Argentina’s historic World Cup, with his performances in Qatar earning him the ‘Golden Glove’ award for the tournament’s best goalkeeper. His displays for club and country led to Martinez being linked with a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earlier in the season - but now speculation over a move closer to home has come from a journalist in his home country.

Argentinean football writer Gaston Edul has claimed Martinez ‘is likely to change clubs in June’ and named three Premier League clubs that have a bid ‘in the pipeline’. He suggests Chelsea and Manchester United are both among those keen on the 30-year-old stopper - but has revealed Tottenham Hotspur have ‘more interest’ in a move.

That comes following speculation over the future of Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who was linked with a surprise move to an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia, who are reportedly ready to treble the France international’s current salary. The 36-year-old has just over one year remaining on his deal with Spurs and could end his 11-year stay at the club this summer.