Aston Villa have reportedly ‘immediately rebuffed’ a loan offer from Manchester United for their highly-regarded goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. According to multiple sources, United head coach Ruben Amorim had ‘set his sights’ on bringing the experienced Argentina international to Old Trafford after discovering that first-choice keeper Andre Onana will be sidelined due to injury.
Onana is expected to miss the beginning of the new Premier League season because of a torn hamstring, prompting Amorim to urgently seek temporary cover in the goal. However, Villa swiftly declined United’s loan proposal made over the weekend, as detailed in a report by the Daily Mail.
There was initial speculation that Martinez might be available for transfer this summer, especially considering Villa’s financial situation following significant investments. Manchester United has been linked with a move for the 32-year-old for quite some time, and sources suggest he has shown a willingness to make a switch, with a transfer fee believed to be around £40 million.
Martinez has become a vital member of the team since joining Villa Park five years ago for £20 million from Arsenal. He has made over 212 appearances and has had a significant impact beyond club football; his contributions were instrumental in helping Argentina secure two Copa America titles and play a key role in their victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Martinez has won multiple awards, including the coveted Yashin Trophy in 2023 and 2024. He is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. He was also named the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2024, and for his outstanding efforts in the most recent World Cup, he was awarded the Golden Glove.
Following their unsuccessful pursuit of Martinez, Manchester United is now considering alternative options for a goalkeeper. One potential candidate is Senne Lammens, a promising young talent from Antwerp, with sources in Belgium suggesting that the club expects an offer soon. Additionally, to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season, United is exploring other targets, including Lucas Chevalier of Lille and Diogo Costa of Porto.
