Manchester United are reportedly preparing a surprise £40million offer for Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The Red Devils had previously passed up the opportunity to sign the Argentine international earlier in the summer, deeming the deal too costly when his £200,000-a-week wages were considered.
Instead, United turned their attention to Royal Antwerp’s highly sought-after young keeper Senne Lammens, securing his £20million signature ahead of several top European competitors. It was expected that the 23-year-old would be signed before Monday evening’s transfer deadline, with many viewing him as the successor to Thibaut Courtois as Belgium’s No. 1.
However, it now appears that United are ready to approve an expensive short-term solution by bringing in Martinez, rather than planning for the future. With Martinez turning 33 on Tuesday and known for his fiery temperament, Villa seem keen to cash in.
United believe that signing the former Arsenal shot-stopper is a risk they need to take, despite already spending over £200million on new signings this summer and potentially facing Financial Fair Play issues, reports the Mirror.
Manager Ruben Amorim seems to lack faith in £43million Andre Onana or Turkish back-up Altay Bayindir. Onana was dropped from United’s team for the 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford following a shaky performance in the unexpected Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby.
Bayindir, who was responsible for Fulham’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage last week, made another mistake when Burnley equalised for the second time.
Intriguingly, Villa are themselves looking to make a last-minute move before the deadline, aiming to bring West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta to the West Midlands. Unai Emery has been urging club bosses to bolster his squad, but PSR issues have hindered the Villans from making the additions the Spaniard desires.
However, having already profited from the sale of homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey, offloading Martinez in the next 36 hours will provide them with some financial flexibility moving forward, even as they aim to secure Paqueta. They’ve been in discussions about a loan deal with a £50m transfer obligation next summer, and while the Brazilian international is eager for the move, West Ham aren’t happy with the current terms.
If Villa could pay more cash upfront and make the transfer permanent immediately, it would be beneficial.
A new goalkeeper would likely also be brought in, although Emery might be content to let veteran stopper Marco Bizot take charge until January if they can’t secure the replacement for Martinez that they’re after.
