Aston Villa have received a significant boost over Emiliano Martinez’s future, with the goalkeeper’s representative insisting he is happy at Villa Park and has not asked to leave the club.
Martinez has been the subject of considerable transfer speculation this summer, most notably following interest from Juventus. However, the Argentina international now appears increasingly likely to remain part of Unai Emery’s squad.
Martinez’s representative Gustavo Goñi has told Sky Sports News that the 33-year-old is happy at Aston Villa, has not requested a transfer and is excited about playing Champions League football this season.
That represents a significant change in tone after several weeks of uncertainty surrounding Villa’s number one.
Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa future becomes clearer
Juventus explored a deal earlier in the window but struggled to get close to Villa’s valuation. Reports in Italy have subsequently indicated that the Serie A club have stepped away from the move and begun considering alternatives.
Martinez therefore looks increasingly likely to begin another season under Emery.
His continuity would be particularly valuable with Villa preparing for another Champions League campaign and next Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
ReadAstonVilla looked at the major decisions Emery must settle before facing PSG on Wednesday night, with the Bayern Munich friendly providing Villa’s final major test before silverware is on the line. Martinez remaining as the established number one would at least remove one major question from Emery’s preparations.
Nothing in football’s transfer window can be considered absolute until it closes. A substantial late offer could still change the picture.
However, confirmation from Martinez’s own representative that he has not pushed to leave provides the clearest indication yet that the goalkeeper is preparing for another season at Villa Park.
