Exclusive – Aston Villa are ready to start talks with goalkeeper Emi Martinez about a new long-term deal after he emerged as a transfer target for a European top club.
After a brilliant domestic season with Villa, Martinez continued to play in the Copa America – and confirmed himself as his country’s number one when Argentina lifted the trophy. The highlight of the summer was in the semifinals when he saved three penalties in the shootout victory over Colombia.
Martinez lined up with Lionel Messi / MB Media / Getty Images
Probably as a direct result of the stopper’s fine form, 90min has been told that an unnamed, large European site recently contacted Martinez’s camp to check if he was available.
The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract when he came to a £ 20m transfer from Arsenal last summer, which now looks extremely good – especially considering that his former club is now looking for a new number one.
Villa know that Martinez is not looking for an early exit, but with their reputation, they are ready to present new and improved conditions for the goalkeeper to ward off all interested parties.
The Villans are already engaged in a fight to keep another of their stars this summer, with Man City sure to lure captain Jack Grealish away from Villa Park.
One of those who has come through the doors is Emi Buendia, and Martinez played a role in that affair when he contacted the then Norwich man and helped convince his countrymen to move to the Midlands before his former club Arsenal. something that Buendia has since acknowledged itself.
“He [Martinez] already told me a lot about the club and the city, “said Buendia, quoted by OneFootball. He told me very very good things about everything. Of course, it is very good for my adaptation to have someone like him. So it’s getting better. “
