Exclusive: ‘Emi Martinez to accept £78m offer to quit Aston Villa’
Emi Martinez could be set to accept a lucrative wage increase to depart Aston Villa this summer.
The Argentina international looks destined to move on from Villa Park in the coming months after an emotional goodbye in his final home game.
This has seen a number of departure links come and go, with Galatasaray the latest to showcase an interest in Martinez.
With that in mind, an update has emerged surrounding the 32-year-old who looks destined to agree a move in the upcoming window.
Martinez to accept wage increase away from Aston Villa
It would certainly prove to be a major blow to Unai Emery and his hopes of returning to the Champions League if he were to lose the World Cup winner.
Despite links to the likes of Lille star Lucas Chevalier, there are very few out there who can replicate the Argentine and his success in B6.
With that being said, PSR problems are floating around Nassef Sawiris and Co., which could force Villa into sales for stars they would rather keep.
As it stands, a departure for Martinez looks likely, with a sizable pay packet potentially set to tempt him away from the claret and blue outfit.
Former Brentford and Leicester City manager Martin Allen believes a transfer is likely this summer, with a potential wage hike incoming from the Saudi Pro League that could see him get a three-year deal worth a staggering total of £78million.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “There’s been rumours over Martinez for a good couple of months.
“At the end of the season, we saw him walk around crying, and it looked like he was leaving, so something’s obviously in the pipeline.
“He’s a fantastic player, so would he want to go and earn mega money somewhere and leave Villa?
“At his age, he’ll be looking at how he can make his next contract the very best he can get because after that, it’s going to be lower amounts of money.
“If Martinez could get a two or three-year deal in Saudi Arabia, earning £500k-a-week, everyone in their right mind would take that.“
Martinez could now agree Saudi Pro League transfer
The goalkeeper situation in B6 certainly feels alarming as it stands, despite the window not yet being open.
After the departure of Robin Olsen, there is a desperate need for an adequate number two to fight alongside Joe Gauci for a bench role.
This will only be made worse if Martinez agrees to depart, especially to Manchester United, with the B6 club then on the lookout for two options.
At the moment, the uncertainty is causing plenty of anxiety among supporters, even with many months remaining until the season begins.