Emi Martinez odds crash ahead of Aston Villa exit as new favourites emerge
Aston Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could mean some key players depart this summer, and several clubs are already circling around big names.
Villa were beaten 2-0 at Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season which meant they finished outside the Champions League spots on goal difference.
Emi Martinez was sent off in the first half, and this proved to be yet another costly mistake.
The goalkeeper has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, who are also interested in Youri Tielemans, but Champions League football could now be on the cards again.
Atletico Madrid now favourites to sign Martinez from Villa
Martinez has reportedly told his Villa teammates he will be leaving amid Saudi interest, but it now appears that he could remain in Europe.
Atletico Madrid have also been linked with the 32-year-old, and they have now become the clear favourites to sign him.
As per Bet365, Atletico are now the favourites to be the goalkeeper’s next club, at odds of 9/4, which is even deemed more likely than staying at Villa, priced at 7/2.
| Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 37 | 45 | 9 |
Saudi Arabian sides have been priced at 4/1, significantly behind Atletico, which could indicate that Martinez is Madrid-bound, and there is a key reason behind their interest.
Atletico want Martinez in Argentine recruitment drive
Diego Simeone already has several Argentina stars at Atletico Madrid, including Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul, and he wants to add to this roster.
Atletico have been linked with Spurs star Cristian Romero, and they are now interested in Martinez, both to upgrade their goalkeeper position, but also to bring more Argentinian players to Madrid.
Martinez is a key player for Argentina and helped them win the World Cup and Copa America while also playing for Villa, and perhaps the lure of playing with some of his international teammates could convince him to join Atletico.
The Spanish giants are also competing in the Champions League next season, and this would offer Martinez a chance to return to the competition again, which staying at Villa or moving to Saudi Arabia would not.
This is certainly one to watch.