Manchester United to take on Chelsea for Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez
Finally starting their summer business, Manchester United is now in jeopardy of undoing what little progress they have accomplished thus far due to the developing goalkeeping problem.
David de Gea has been at Old Trafford for 12 years, and it seems unlikely that he will stay any longer. He is engaged and a free agent right now.
United and the player were close to reaching a contract agreement, but after making a number of mistakes, they withdrew their initial offer and submitted a whole new one, which has upset the Spaniard’s camp greatly.
The 32-year-old’s future is still uncertain, but the Red Devils are still optimistic that he will sign a contract.
United’s GK dilemma
Due to the misunderstanding and poor administration, Tom Heaton’s move to Luton Town has been obstructed, while Dean Henderson’s projected move to Nottingham Forest is in jeopardy of failing.
As preseason approaches, United may be left without a starting quarterback, therefore negotiations with Inter Milan for Andre Onana are moving along more quickly.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa is allegedly another option United is considering. The World Cup winner is reportedly interested in joining a Champions League team, according to The Peoples Person.
Now, according to Football Transfers, United and Chelsea are poised to compete for the Argentine. Ten Hag is interested in the transfer because he thinks the custodian might develop a strong bond with compatriot Lisandro Martinez.
The custodian for Villa is wanted by fellow Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over Chelsea and is working to fix their defensive problems.
“Manchester United is prepared to compete with Chelsea for Emi Martinez of Aston Villa. Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to pair him with Lisandro Martinez, another Argentine teammate.
The Dutchman believes that the bond they have developed while playing together for the national team would help Man Utd’s defense in the upcoming campaign.
Due to Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe last season, United can fulfil the dreams of the Argentine international to play in that continent.
He has a contract through 2027 and is worth €28 million according to Transfermarkt, but at 30, he is aware that this is his final opportunity to land a transfer to a major league club.
Emi Martinez might have the solution.
Unai Emery is willing to sell him for the appropriate price, but United would struggle if the asking price is kept high given their financial limitations.
Ten Hag wants all of his players to have the elite attitude that Martinez possesses and has demonstrated in the Premier League.
His biggest strengths are his sweeping ability which placed him in the top 97 percentile among all goalies last season and his ability to command the box as seen from his placement in the top 99 percentile for crosses stopped. (via fbref)
Compared to De Gea, these are great traits to have and certainly an improvement over what the Spaniard has brought to the table.