Man Utd’s shock Aston Villa transfer blunder as Arsenal target picks next club

Manchester United missed out on the sensational signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez last summer, it has emerged.

The World Cup winner has become a Villa fan favourite and played a vital role in surpassing all expectations, helping the club qualify for the Champions League. He’s expected to be just as important next campaign, too, but all could have been very different if it wasn’t for a U-turn 12 months ago. 

Martinez’s agent, Gonzalo Goni, has opened up in a recent interview with ESPN, detailing a near transfer that would’ve sent shockwaves around the Premier League.

It appears the Red Devils had agreed to bring the Argentina international to Old Trafford but Erik ten Hag pulled the plug, instead focusing on acquiring the then Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

“Last year he was very close to Manchester United, the coach chose Onana, because he already knew him," Goni said. But everyone at Manchester United later maintained that the ideal goalkeeper to win was Emiliano Martinez,” Goni admitted.

Onana hasn’t done a bad job by any means but he did take a while to get going and is unlikely to reach the levels of Martinez any time soon.

Arsenal target picks next club

In other Premier League transfer news, Arsenal have moved one step closer to the signing of Bologna defender Ricardo Calafiori. The Italy international, who recently starred at UEFA EURO 2024, has picked his destination.

Fabrizio Romano reports Calafiori has agreed personal terms with the Gunners ahead of a £42 million move. Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen were all keen but the 22-year-old looks set for the Emirates Stadium