Aston Villa are braced for interest in Emiliano Martinez from Europe’s elite after his heroics for Argentina at the World Cup.
Martinez was given the Golden Glove award for the best keeper in the tournament after a succession of fine displays, including a crucial save from France forward Randal Kolo Muani with the scores tied at the end of extra time in the final.
And despite his shootout antics, he returns to Villa with his reputation greatly enhanced.
Bayern Munich are thought to be following Martinez as they seek a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, who turns 37 in March and is out for the rest of the season after suffering a skiing accident. The Germany international also has only 18 months left on his current contract.
Yet Villa are under little financial pressure to sell Martinez. The 30-year-old signed a new deal less than a year ago that runs until 2027 and is thought to be earning a basic wage of about £100,000 a week, making him one of Villa’s highest-paid players.
That contract was a huge pay rise on the original four-year deal Martinez signed when he joined Villa from Arsenal in September 2020, and puts the club in a very strong negotiating position should bids come in.
Martinez’s agent Gustavo Goni has spoken this week about the possibility of his client leaving Villa.
Interviewed by Italian media, he said: ‘He’s a great goalkeeper, the best in the world.
Not many clubs could afford a goalkeeper like him. Serie A clubs? Well, why not? Clearly he’s aiming high, at the Champions League.’
The Argentine’s career took a dramatic upturn during Project Restart, when he replaced the injured Bernd Leno and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup before moving to Villa. He also won the Copa America last year.
