Aston Villa to get ‘better deal’ with Emi Martinez replacement after Man United agreement
Emi Martinez’s pending move to Manchester United is likely to force Aston Villa into some deadline-day business.
Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday was certainly damaging, though it also served as a clear indication of where the future lies for Martinez.
Martinez was absent from the squad to face Palace, with a move to Man United expected to go through before Monday’s 7 pm deadline.
As a result, Unai Emery may be hanging his hopes on a replacement arriving at Villa Park, and the Villans may actually end up profiting from Martinez’s move.
Diogo Costa mooted for Aston Villa transfer
Marco Bizot received support from the Aston Villa fans after news of Martinez’s agreement with Man United emerged, though it remains to be seen whether he will be the number one this season.
Ultimately, it will be determined by what business can be done on Monday, with news emerging that Aston Villa are in advanced talks over a deal for Diogo Costa from FC Porto.
Costa, alongside several other goalkeepers, had been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and content creator Mark Goldbridge thinks that Man United would be making a big mistake
Taking to X to react to the agreement, he said: “If Villa go for Costa to replace Martinez, then surely they’re getting the better deal?”
For Aston Villa’s sake, that will hopefully be the case, though business in other areas of the squad also needs to be done after such a poor start to the campaign.
Diogo Costa would be a shrewd replacement for Emi Martinez
Not only is Costa younger, but he’s arguably already better than Martinez, with room to develop further.
Last season, via Fotmob, Costa prevented 2.27 goals, compared to Martinez’s 1.16.
The latter also made one error leading to a goal, whereas Costa had a near-flawless campaign in Liga Portugal.
Costa also boasts a much better distribution success rate, with an 81 per cent pass accuracy compared to the 77 per cent of Martinez.
If the Villans can get this deal over the line, any concerns over the goalkeeping department will be subdued.
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