After shining for Argentina in their World Cup, Emiliano Martinez is generating transfer interest, and Man United has been urged to join the queue.
Manchester United have been urged to sign Emiliano Martinez, the Argentina World Cup goalkeeper, as a long-term alternative for David de Gea.
Martinez’s profile has skyrocketed in recent weeks as a result of his outstanding performances for Argentina at the World Cup. He made a brilliant extra-time save to deny Randal Kolo Muani before his theatrics in the penalty shoot-out helped his team win over France.
The 30-year-old won the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper in the tournament and is now a national hero in Argentina. When the celebrations are over and Martinez travels to England, he will meet with Aston Villa regarding his future.
Other clubs have taken notice of Martinez’s achievements in Qatar, with Bayern Munich among those interested in signing him. Manchester United, who must make a decision on De Gea, might join them.
De Gea’s current deal expires at the end of the season. According to Mirror Football, United have begun negotiations about extending it. According to former England international Jay Bothroyd, who believes Martinez would be an ideal replacement, this could be a mistake.
“He (De Gea) is a top keeper, he had a good season last year,” he told Sky Sports News. But he’s paid well; he’s one of the highest-paid Premier League players. I believe he earns around £350,000 each week, which is a lot for a goalie. Now, if I were Manchester United, I’d be looking at alternative choices, just like you. Martinez is one of them, you’d have to look around. Yes, he’s at Aston Villa, but he could be available to them.”
De Gea has been United’s uncontested No. 1 for the most of his 11-year tenure at Old Trafford. He has made 507 appearances for United and has indicated his desire to finish his career with the club.
The 32-year-old beat Dean Henderson to the starting spot, with the England international joining Nottingham Forest on loan for the season. United recruited Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan to replace Henderson, but they may be looking for another goalkeeper in 2023.
Martinez is under contract with Aston Villa until June 2027, putting the Premier League club in a good position to turn down offers from other clubs. Villa have no plans to cash in on their World Cup star, and he is apparently viewed as a future captain replacement to John McGinn.
He has three clean sheets in 15 appearances for Villa this season and has established a penchant for stopping penalties. He stopped the first two penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis in Argentina’s quarter-final shootout victory over the Netherlands, and he saved Kingsley Coman’s shot in the final.