Aston Villa: Emi Martinez transfer interest will never ‘go away’ as ‘big money’ switch mooted
Transfer interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez won’t “ever go away” following his outstanding performance against Arsenal, according to Alan Hutton.
The Argentine stopper has been a revelation since arriving at Villa Park in the summer of 2020, playing a major role in the Villans’ climb up the table under Unai Emery and even managing to help Argentina lift the World Cup in 2024.
Martinez received plenty of praise from supporters and pundits alike following his display in Villa’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday (14 April), with Jamie Redknapp left stunned by his “unbelievable” save to deny Leandro Trossard.
Hutton believes that the 31-year-old’s displays won’t have gone unnoticed by teams fighting at the top of the Premier League and beyond and admits that it would be tough for Villa and Martinez to turn down a “big money” offer.
“I don’t think that will ever go away,” Hutton told Villa News.
“It’s a good sign for your team if other players are looking at your players and do want them, it’s because they’re doing well, which means they are doing well for Aston Villa.
“The only thing is and I keep going back to it, Unai Emery is not long into the job. His first season they finished seventh, this time they’re going for the top four. If they get into the Champions League, why would you want to rush away from that?
“This is why you’re playing, to play at the highest level and that is the Champions League, so there is an opportunity for all of them to go and shine at the highest level. If they do get the top four, they will spend money to become a better squad and possibly a better starting XI and you kick on again.
“Surely, you would want to be a part of that. But I also understand if a huge team come in with big money, it’s difficult to turn down.”
Aston Villa and Unai Emery tipped to sell Emi Martinez if “big money” transfer offer arrives at Villa Park
Plenty of Villa players have already been the subject of reported transfer interest, with clubs expected to be watching the likes of Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz and Ezri Konsa ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Villans’ current profit and sustainability situation means that all players could be available for the right price, but it remains to be seen whether or not anyone is willing to pay the money required to secure their signature.
Hopefully, the opportunity to play in the Champions League under Emery will be enough to convince these key stars to reject any moves this summer, but that won’t mean that the transfer interest suddenly vanishes.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery risks “annoying” some Villa stars with a new Douglas Luiz selection call against Lille
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