‘Aston Villa to demand £80m’ as Man United launch fresh Martinez offer – Exclusive
This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa scout Bryan King.
Emi Martinez’s future at Aston Villa has been up in the air over the last few months.
The Argentine has undergone a remarkable progression over the last few years to become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Martinez has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, with Manchester United working hard to try and sign the gloveman.
The 32-year-old is yet to feature for Unai Emery’s side so far in pre-season, amid sustained interest from the Red Devils.
Villa to set £80m pricetag after Man United loan offer
Manchester United have made another attempt to sign Martinez in the last few days, but their offer has left the Villans somewhat bemused.
Ruben Amorim’s side put forward the proposal of a loan deal to the B6 outfit, but it was understandably rejected without a second thought.
Emery and Co. were left incredulous by the advancement from their Premier League rivals, given that they value their first-choice ‘keeper at around £40million.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that United’s latest approach could anger the Villans into ramping up their demands for Martinez.
“If I were Villa, I’d be telling United to pay £80m upfront,” King said.
“He (Martinez) is regarded as one of the top three ‘keepers in the Premier League, if not the world.
“I wouldn’t be entertaining a loan if I were Villa, and I certainly wouldn’t want it if I were the player.
“I’d be thinking if you want me that badly, then you pay the money. Because if he does move, then he would be on massive money.
“Why would Villa want to sell him? Or even think about loaning him out? They haven’t got strength in depth beneath him, so why would you want to get rid of one of your top players?
“It doesn’t make sense.”
Villa need to seek assurances from Martinez
Speculation over Martinez’s future at Villa has gone on for far too long now, and it will do Emery no favours if it continues to rumble on for another few weeks.
The Spanish boss needs to seek assurances from the shot stopper as to whether he would be content to remain at Villa.
He had seemingly been keen to move to United earlier in the window, but with the Old Trafford outfit now trying to get around paying big money for the star, he too may have grown frustrated with them.
However, if Martinez is now more open to remaining at Villa Park, then Emery needs him playing in the final few pre-season games to ensure that he is up to speed in time for the big kick-off in a few weeks.
It’s been a saga that has played out over several months already, and Villa can’t let it go on any longer.
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