Manchester United are reported to be targeting Emiliano Martinez,and have been told the Argentine No.1's arrival could spark more signings to alleviate Ruben Amorim's frustration
Manchester United have been told that signing Emiliano Martinez could trigger a swathe of new arrivals. The Argentine goalkeeper is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer after appearing to wave an emotional goodbye to fans following the club's final home game of the season.
Reports have since emerged that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the World Cup winner as they look to rebuild under Ruben Amorim. It's been claimed that Martinez, aged 32, would prefer to join United after also being linked with Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and teams in the Saudi Pro League.
United's squad is due to undergo a significant overhaul this summer after enduring their worst ever Premier League season as they finished 15th. However, as per the Daily Star, the club's Portuguese head coach is growing impatient with the lack of action from his bosses in the transfer market.
United have made just one signing since the end of the season after securing the services of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha for a sum of £62.5m from Wolves. They are also understood to be targeting Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the failure to complete such deals has left Amorim frustrated.
But ex-United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes there is still hope after suggesting that bringing in a player of Martinez's quality would encourage others to follow.
The former Watford and Wrexham shot-stopper expressed his view despite suggesting United are unlikely to challenge at the top of the table next season.
"That's a good move for Man United and it's going to be a massive miss [for Aston Villa] ," Foster said on his 'Fozcast' podcast. "If they do sign him, I think it enables United to go and flex their muscles and get a couple more big boys.
"Mbeumo has already been spoken about and Cunha is already through the door. But I don't think they are going to be anywhere near challenging. Even the top ten is going to be a struggle this season for them."
When asked what would motivate Martinez to leave Villa, who finished sixth in the table, he added: "What Man United have got ahead of others is global appeal.
"If he signs for Manchester United, everything just gets bumped and his wages are going to go up. He's definitely going somewhere, because nobody cries on the pitch at the end of the season otherwise."
Any move for Martinez is likely to see him replace Andre Onana as United's first-choice goalkeeper. Onana has made a series of errors since joining the club and has recently spoken out about rumours surrounding his future, telling Afrik-Foot: "Will I leave? I don't know, we'll see."
Martinez currently has four years remaining on the five-year contract he signed with Villa in 2024. If he does join United, he could find at least two familiar faces at Old Trafford in international teammates Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho.