Emi Martinez ‘set for parting gift’ as Aston Villa make announcement
Emi Martinez continues to be linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer.
The goalkeeper has previously been labelled by some as the best in the world, although some at Villa Park feel his levels have dropped this season.
Although the Villans weren’t able to secure Champions League football for next season, there is a real chance to push up the Premier League once more and go all the way in the Europa League.
Therefore, Unai Emery will need a strong squad available to him, leaving some big decisions to be made.
Aston Villa make Martinez announcement
With doubts over the quality Martinez still has, Villa could be convinced to part ways this summer, especially with reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
The West Midlands outfit already struck a lucrative deal for Jhon Duran in the winter window and having missed out on Champions League money, another large injection could be a boost.
It’s fair to say that not all supporters are too happy with the goalkeeper at the moment either.
This comes after Martinez was sent off in the final game of the season, for a silly challenge when the game was at 0-0. Manchester United then went on to win 2-0.
While there may be some anger with the 32-year-old for now, Aston Villa announced on X (28 May) that their player has been nominated for the Premier League Save of the Season award.
The nomination is for one of his saves against Nottingham Forest on 14 December.
Emery’s side lost the game 2-1, but Martinez’s moment of magic has been seen as worthy of a nomination.
Martinez could go out on a high
The future of Martinez is still unknown.
Although there have been strong links to Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer, Emery has dismissed suggestions that an exit is on the cards.
However, when he was sent off at Old Trafford, it did feel like an awkward moment as it could be a sour note to say goodbye on.
This nomination, however, serves as a reminder that although he may not have been up to his previous levels this term, he still had plenty to give for his team.
| Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 37 | 45 | 9 |
Furthermore, if he does make an exit from Villa Park this summer, then this nomination and potential award could be his parting gift before the separation.
There is plenty of work for the boss to do this summer, but he will know that strengthening is needed to push that little bit further next term.