Premier League make new Emi Martinez announcement at Aston Villa
Emi Martinez could leave Aston Villa this summer, but he will have plenty of fond memories to look back on if he does depart.
Martinez joined Aston Villa in 2020 after winning the FA Cup with Arsenal, and since exploded into one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
Since becoming a regular at Villa, Martinez has won the Copa America and World Cup with Argentina, as well as several individual goalkeeping awards.
It was a tough end to the season for the Argentinian as Martinez was sent off against Manchester United in a game which ultimately cost them a Champions League spot, but he will now have some more joy.
Martinez wins Premier League save award
Despite an inconsistent campaign, which saw Martinez make several errors in the Premier League and Champions League, the 32-year-old has now added another individual award to his collection.
Martinez has now been awarded the Premier League Save of the Season award for a truly outstanding effort earlier in the campaign.
Aston Villa travelled to Nottingham Forest in December with both teams fighting for Champions League spots, but they were ultimately beaten in the final minute as they lost 2-1 to a late Anthony Elanga goal.
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 212 | 256 | 70 |
One of the finest moments in the game came when Forest whipped in a corner, and Nicolas Dominguez powered a header on goal.
The Forest fans in attendance thought he had scored, but Martinez remarkably clawed it off the goal line, and managed to get the ball out for a corner, in a save so incredible that it has been crowned as the best of this season.
Aston Villa need top-quality Martinez replacement
With Martinez highly likely to leave, Villa need to replace him well and could seek out a younger option who could start in the long term.
Joan Garcia of Espanyol is a target, but Villa will face stiff competition for his signature. But, there are other potential bargains out there.
Marcin Bulka of Nice could be available for just £10 million, and Villa could secure a bargain option while potentially profiting off Martinez.
Lucas Chevalier of Lille has been linked as a premium young option, and like Garcia, he could become the starting number one at Villa Park for years to come if he joins.
They will have big gloves to fill should Martinez leave.