‘Emi Martinez lined up for last-gasp £40m exit in perfect deal for Aston Villa’
Emi Martinez could be set to return to the Aston Villa starting lineup against Brentford amid a raft of exit links.
Martinez, 32, has been strongly linked with Manchester United this summer, but has yet to find a move away from Villa Park with less than a week remaining until transfer deadline day.
The fact that the Argentina international remains has come as a surprise to many after Martinez cried on the pitch against Tottenham after the last home match of last campaign.
Despite this, the ex-Arsenal man is still available for selection as Unai Emery prepares his Villa side to face Brentford on Saturday (23 August).
As positive as this may be, there is still every chance that a departure is on the cards for Martinez ahead of the trip to South West London.
This article contains exclusive comments given to Villa News by former manager Martin Allen
Emi Martinez exit looms ahead of Brentford clash
As excellent as the Argentine has been for the Villans, there is no hiding away from the fact that he now has stern competition for a starting role.
This comes after Marco Bizot put in a stellar performance against Newcastle on his B6 debut, giving the claret and blue outfit food for thought ahead of the second outing of the season.
With Martinez back from suspension, there is certainly a dilemma there for Emery as to who starts between the sticks against Brentford.
Former Bees manager Martin Allen believes Martinez will start at the Gtech Community Stadium, but believes a Villa Park exit could still be in the pipeline.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “I’d imagine he’ll put Martinez in straight away.
“He’s been fantastic for Villa, even if they had Bizot in last week, and he did well.
“I would imagine Martinez will start against Brentford. However, he did look as if he was going to be leaving at the end of last season, so maybe this is the cue for the new keeper to take the helm.
“It might just be the perfect time to cash in on a 32-year-old.
“Manchester United are desperate for a new goalkeeper, so it might be time to see if they come and get him.
“There might also be other clubs who want to come in and pay £40m regardless of whether he plays against Brentford.“
Aston Villa can’t lose Emi Martinez after Lucas Chevalier transfer miss
There is no doubt that the Argentine is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, so losing him would leave a gaping hole in the squad at Bodymoor Heath.
As a result, an adequate replacement would be required, and as it stands, there aren’t many genuine candidates to even hit a similar level to Martinez.
The ideal option for Villa could have been Lucas Chevalier at Lille, but they have since missed out on the Frenchman to PSG.
| Stat per 90 | Emi Martinez | Lucas Chevalier |
| Saves | 2.82 | 2.82 |
| Goals conceded | 1.27 | 1.06 |
| Penalty saves | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| High claims | 1.58 | 0.62 |
With a seemingly excellent option off the table now, it would prove to be a massive risk to lose the World’s Number One with hardly a week remaining in the window.
Martinez has to come back in against Brentford and rebuild his relationship with the Villa fans to show exactly why he is so highly rated down Trinity Road.
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