Henri Lansbury tips Emi Martinez to have taste buds flared amid Aston Villa exit latest
Henri Lansbury knows that Emi Martinez will always have the chance to leave Aston Villa.
The Argentina international has been a true star in claret and blue since signing from Arsenal in 2020.
That has culminated in him winning two Yashin Trophy awards, leading to the nickname, "The World's Number One".
His song has regularly echoed around Villa Park as he continues to be adored by those on the terraces.
That is despite links away from B6 last summer as he looked to force a move to Manchester United.
Martinez may have said that those rumours were "wrong", but he continues to face the potential of a summer transfer.
Henri Lansbury moots Emi Martinez interest in Aston Villa exit
This transfer window hasn't been too different to 12 months ago for the goalkeeper.
This time he has been linked with Juventus, although the Old Lady only want to pay a nominal fee for his signature.
That hasn't gone down well in the Midlands and he remains a Villa player for now.
Former midfielder Lansbury isn't surprised by the departure links and believes Martinez will be keeping tabs on them.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Lansbury said: "He's a world class player and that's what happens to the best players, they're touted around.
"He's done fantastic for Villa and Argentina, so he's always going to have clubs after him. That will make his taste buds flare, I'm sure he'll have a sniff at it.
"It's all a waiting game now. If Villa find a replacement they think fits they could still let him move on."
What have Aston Villa said about Martinez exit?
The Argentine may have one eye on a departure this summer, but that doesn't look likely to be entertained in B6.
Alternative options have been eyed as potential targets for the Villans as they look to cover their own back.
Villa News previously covered interest in Toulouse keeper Guillaume Restes as a younger successor to Martinez.
It doesn't appear as if the Frenchman will be called upon as Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany has already revealed the future of the Argentine.
In an interview with 365 Scores, the Spaniard said: "The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer.
"All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position."
That is pretty cut and dry, but could change should Lansbury's thoughts come true and Martinez looks towards the exit door.