Manchester United are preparing to take the next step in their search for a new number one goalkeeper by initiating formal talks with Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa.
The Argentina international has emerged as a priority for the club, which is eager to strengthen the position after a season filled with high-profile errors from current keeper Andre Onana.
While Onana remains determined to stay at Old Trafford and prove himself, the club hierarchy appears to be leaning toward a change.
United are reportedly waiting for a suitable offer to arrive for Onana so they can proceed with negotiations for Martinez, who is under contract with Villa for four more years but is expected to move this summer.
A move for Martinez would be considered a major upgrade in the goalkeeping department. The 32-year-old has delivered consistently strong performances since leaving Arsenal, becoming a key figure at Villa and for the Argentina national team. He has earned back-to-back Yashin Trophies and helped Argentina to both Copa America and World Cup triumphs.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown believes the club would gladly accept any offer for Onana to fast-track a deal for Martinez. He stated that United sees Martinez as a significant step up and are willing to take a financial loss to make the change happen.
Although Chelsea were previously linked with Martinez, those rumors have cooled. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the London club no longer views him as a target, clearing the path for United.
Despite United’s clear interest, Martinez is not their only candidate. Alternatives such as Lucas Chevalier from Lille, Diogo Costa from Porto, and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin are also on the club’s radar. Manager Ruben Amorim is said to have identified one of these as a preferred option if the Martinez deal cannot be completed.
In the background, Onana’s backup, Altay Bayindir, is also facing an uncertain future. However, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has extended his stay by signing a new one-year deal, providing some stability to the squad’s goalkeeping depth.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on whether United can offload Onana and successfully land Martinez, ushering in a new chapter between the posts at Old Trafford.