Manchester United have reportedly contacted both Aston Villa and Emiliano Martínez’s camp over a potential late move, having identified the Argentina international as an alternative to Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Softfootball reported earlier in the transfer window that Manchester United had expressed interest in the World Cup winner amid continuing woes of André Onana and Altay Bayındır.
Ruben Amorim’s current goalkeeping options consist of Onana, Bayındır, and 39-year-old Tom Heaton, all three of whom have failed to show signs of being the world-class shot-stopper that Amorim so desperately needs at Old Trafford.
While talks for Lammens’ arrival are ongoing, United want to be prepared in case the deal collapses, with Martinez remaining on their goalkeeper shortlist.
United targeted a move for the 2022 World Cup winner in July but saw their loan proposal rebuffed by Villa, who would likely need to sign a replacement before allowing Martinez to leave this late in the window.
The Villans are also believed to be interested in Lammens, who is a long-term target for United and is thought to be keen on a late switch to Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his X account, Man United have made a fresh approach to Aston Villa for Martínez. Discussions are still ongoing with Senne Lammens, but United want to be prepared with less than 48 hours left in the transfer window should that deal fall through. The post reads:
“EXCL: Manchester United make new approach with Aston Villa for Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez.
Talks remain ongoing for Senne Lammens while Man United want to be ready if deal collapses with less than 48h to go…
and new approach for Dibu took place with Villa + his camp.”
Man United’s contact with Martínez given the player’s keenness to move confirms the club’s intention to bring in a new goalkeeper before the deadline passes, with Amorim in desperate need of a more solid figure at the back.
My take, Emiliano Martinez is 32 and while he is a world-class shot-stopper, his performances were far from flawless last season. There are better, younger and more cost effective options on the table for the 20-time English league champions as things stand.
