Emi Martinez to Man United transfer update as £40m deal reality becomes clear

Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez with Andre Onana facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford

An update has been provided on the future of Manchester United-linked Emiliano Martinez.

The 2022 World Cup-winning goalkeeper faces an uncertain future at Aston Villa. Martinez was seen in tears after the Villans' final home game of the Premier League in 2024/25 as he considers starting a new chapter in his career.

Martinez signed a new contract 10 months ago, committing his long-term future to the club. However, it now appears uncertain. After failing to secure a financially lucrative place in next season's Champions League, Villa could be tempted to cash in on the 32-year-old, who turns 33 later this year.

Several reports have underlined Martinez as a potential replacement for Andre Onana. The Manchester Evening News understands Onana is expected to stay put this summer. However, after making a few high-profile mistakes at Old Trafford and beyond, signing a new first-choice goalkeeper has been tipped.

But any hope of Martinez joining the Reds this summer still appears remote at this stage. The Independent's Miguel Delaney has claimed in his latest newsletter that any move for the Argentine is still seen as some way off.

Martinez is also thought to have admirers in Saudi Arabia with a lucrative move to the Gulf state on the cards. A transfer fee of around £30-40million has been suggested.

The shot-stopper himself is said to be "open" to a move to Old Trafford. And now United have seemingly been advised on why they might have the advantage in any transfer battle.

Reports from The Mirror indicate United forward Alejandro Garnacho - subject to paper talk himself this summer - has told friends and family that key figures in the Argentina national team camp have advised him to seek a move to one of the stronger European leagues this summer in the event he departs Old Trafford.

Garnacho, too, has mooted interest from Saudi Arabia but, in outlining the above, sources close to the player are mindful that playing in a less competitive division might hamper his chances of selection for next summer's World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

That would seemingly be the case for Martinez, as well, even though he's well-established between the posts as not only a World Cup winner, but a veteran of 50-plus senior caps.