Aston Villa make John approach as ‘Martinez hits advanced exit talks’ already
Emi Martinez looks to be inching closer to his Aston Villa exit this summer.
The Argentine goalkeeper has been in demand in recent months, and the Villans are set to accept his departure, despite Unai Emery wanting to keep him.
At the end of last season, Martinez sobbed on the pitch at Villa Park, with many thinking he was moving to play under Ruben Amorim and Manchester United in recent weeks.
With a move looking more likely, Aston Villa have now been looking at potential replacements.
Aston Villa target John if Martinez leaves
Manchester United don’t look to be giving up in the race to sign Martinez.
With Villa’s issues with Profit and Sustainability rules, selling their star goalkeeper wouldn’t be as bad as supporters think.
Now, O Dia has reported in its print edition (16 July, pg 15) that Emery is targeting a move for Botafogo goalkeeper John.
The Brazilian side recently competed in the Club World Cup, with their goalkeeper catching the eye of plenty of European sides.
Among them are Man United, Tottenham, and Everton, but given the Red Devils’ stance on Martinez, the Villans are said to be favourites.
John conceded three goals in four games in the Club World Cup against some strong competition, and should he sign for Villa, he would sign a contract until 2028.
Given that Marco Bizot has joined Emery’s side as a backup keeper, John looks set to come in as a direct replacement for Martinez, who is said to be in advanced exit talks.
Aston Villa’s Martinez sale could raise important funds
Though on paper, a possible Martinez sale looks bad, the Argentine’s unrest at Villa Park and the funds raised would make the sale worth it.
At 32, the goalkeeper still has plenty of seasons left, but he can be replaced fairly easily and cheaply.
His departure would raise funds for Villa to make further signings after struggling so far this summer, with his big wages moving on too.
Emery could do with further incomings, having only now had lift off with the potential signing of Toulouse midfielder Jaydee Canvot.
Sign up for the Villa News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Aston Villa news sent straight to your phone.