Barcelona transfer on the cards for Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez, Villa Park ‘impatience’ mooted
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could get impatient at Villa Park if Champions League football is not secured.
That is according to former Villa scout Bryan King, who has suggested that the number one could look to move on in the summer.
King added that the Argentine, who was once a target for Atletico Madrid [Mirror, 24 September 2022], could attract interest from Europe’s top clubs.
The ex-scout believes the goalkeeper could not have done much to prevent his club from losing 3-1 against Chelsea on Wednesday (7 February), with the shot-stopper not getting much help from his defenders.
Speaking to Villa News, King said: “Martinez is a good goalkeeper, he had very little chance with the first two goals, the defending was terrible. And the free-kick, which was a long way out, was a wonderfully struck free-kick, because Martinez got his fingers to it but couldn’t keep it out. Incredible free-kick.
“I couldn’t see Atletico go for him, because I think they have the best goalkeeper in Europe. Jan Oblak for me is, and has been, a goalkeeper who has impressed every time I’ve seen him, whether it’s been live or on TV.
“When you talk about the top goalkeepers in Europe, you’d say Oblak was in it. I think he’s a better goalkeeper than Thibaut Courtois. Martinez is certainly in that group. They used to refer to the top six in Europe, and I would say Martinez is there.
“He’s kept goal very well for Villa this season, and he’s certainly made a difference in making crucial saves and also organising his back four. The difficult thing for him is that he wants to win things, that’s for sure.
“He’s won the World Cup, he’s expecting to be in the Champions League. If that doesn’t materialise, I can think that he would be impatient and the very top clubs in Europe would certainly be looking at him.
“I don’t think the Italian clubs can afford him, but the Spanish might. I’d have thought he could have been an interesting one for Real Madrid, certainly Barcelona, because I’ve never rated Marc-Andre ter Stegen at all. Martinez can play with his feet, and can work as a sweeper. He’s certainly in the top two in the Premier League.”
Martinez key to Aston Villa success
Martinez has been rock solid under Unai Emery this season, with the manager and fans alike perhaps nervous that he will move on this summer if Champions League football is not secured.
The likes of Champions League regulars Atletico Madrid should have very little difficulty in reaching next season’s competitions.
Villa are currently in the Europa Conference League knockout stages, with the latter stages of the competition yet to get underway.
In other Aston Villa news, one 85% Villa star shone in the recent win against Sheffield United, with Don Goodman dubbing him “electric.”
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.