Emi Martinez transfer bombshell: Aston Villa ‘to accept mega-rich Saudi offer’
Aston Villa are poised to cash in on Emiliano Martinez amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
The Villans have had a lot of joy under Unai Emery, having reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, respectively.
However, Aston Villa face the prospect of ending the campaign in disappointment as they are two places and three points behind a Champions League qualification spot.
Missing out on Champions League qualification could have serious implications for the Birmingham-based club, who are already facing profit and sustainability rules constraints.
Martinez lined up for Saudi Pro League transfer
Meanwhile, it has now emerged that Martinez is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League ahead of the summer.
Martinez, as well as Leon Bailey, has been lined up for a move to the Middle East, according to The Telegraph.
While the identity of the clubs interested in signing the Aston Villa pair are yet to be known, there is a clear desire to take them to Saudi Arabia.
| Matches | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 208 | 256 | 66 |
The Villans have already done business in Pro League clubs, having sold Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran to Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, respectively, over the last two windows.
The newspaper reported via their website on Wednesday (30 April) that it is unclear if Villa will accept an offer from Saudi Arabia for Martinez.
However, it has emerged that Emery’s side will sell players to balance their books amid PSR constraints, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.
Aston Villa to cash in on Martinez
Therefore, it would not be a surprise if Aston Villa accepted a mega-rich offer from the Pro League for Martinez this season.
It is worth noting that the Argentina international will turn 33 this year while being one of the highest earners at Villa Park.
The goalkeeper’s contract extension in August has seen him take home one of the biggest paychecks at Villa every week.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has also struggled to produce his best on a consistent basis this season, and also came in for a lot of criticism after the 3-0 FA Cup loss against Crystal Palace on Saturday, 26 April.
There are also signs that Aston Villa are already preparing for life without Martinez, with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia identified as a target.