Credit: Imago and talkSPORT via YouTube

Richie Mills

Thu 22 January 2026 13:00, UK

Speculation is mounting over Emi Martinez’s future at Villa Park as the winter transfer window winds down.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez looked set to join Manchester United over the summer after appearing to give a teary goodbye to fans at Villa Park.

However, Martinez’s switch from Villa to United fell through late in the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead.

Since then, he has knuckled down and played a big role in Villa being backed to challenge for the Premier League title, with Unai Emery’s side sitting third in the table.

Now, reports suggest Martinez, whose contract at Villa Park runs until 2029, is wanted by a European giant.

Emi Martinez to leave Aston Villa in 2026?

Although Villa signed experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest last summer, the 34-year-old is firmly second choice at Emery’s side.

Martinez has racked up 21 appearances for Villa this season, keeping six clean sheets in all competitions.

While it seems that he is not going anywhere for now, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has claimed that Inter Milan’s interest in the Argentine is growing.

He added that Martinez “flirted” with a move to United in the summer, a term Villa hero Gabby Agbonlahor suggested didn’t go far enough.

He said on Thursday’s talkSPORT Breakfast show: “I know for a fact he did more than flirt. He was desperate to go to Man United. Desperate.

“The goal Everton scored [last weekend], it was poor goalkeeping. He’s been inconsistent and had injury problems. It’s maybe time for Villa to move on from Martinez.”

But, will this be the 33-year-old’s last season at Villa?

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Would it be right for Villa to get rid of Martinez?

In this current climate, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules remain a cause for concern for Villa.

Ergo, they are always looking for a big sale to ease their financial concerns. Martinez could be such a sale but is it worth keeping him at Villa Park?

According to FBref, Martinez has a save percentage of 74.6 this season. Only Sunderland stopper Robin Roefs has a better record than that in the Premier League with 75.8.

Moreover, Martinez’s stats for this season are up from last term, suggesting there is life in the former Arsenal man yet.

Much has been made of Manchester City summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma having a blinder for them, but his save percentage is down at 70.7.

It is worth remembering that the 2022 World Cup winner was named the Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2024 and received the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards in 2023 and 2024.

While some may argue he plays better for Argentina than Villa, there is still a case to be made to keep Martinez at Villa Park.

Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.