Manchester United are keeping tabs on the progress of Emiliano Martinez with a view of making a move for the Argentine to become their next No. 1.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Emiliano Martinez and his future at Aston Villa, with the view of making a move for the Argentine goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez has had a curious career to date, as he has recently emerged to be one of the top keepers in world football. But before that, the Argentine No. 1 spent ten fruitless years at Arsenal. Barring a few loan moves away from the north London club, he never got a real opportunity to showcase his talents.
However, due to an injury to Bernd Leno, Martinez was thrust in by Mikel Arteta in the last phase of the 2019/20 season. The Argentine helped the club win the FA Cup and Community Shield in the following months, and despite his great performances, Arteta decided to sell him to Aston Villa for a £20 million fee.
At Villa, Martinez has established himself as one of the top keepers in the Premier League and also helped Argentina secure the Copa America title in the summer. He was named the goalkeeper of the tournament and has since attracted interest from various clubs across Europe.
Manchester United are now supposedly interested in signing him as a long-term successor for David De Gea. While the Spaniard has been superb in his performances this term, he has been inconsistent at the top level in the past few seasons. For the best part of the last term, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferred Dean Henderson to him in goal.
However, with De Gea’s contract lasting until 2023, he may not give up his No. 1 spot just yet, and the report suggests that Martinez will only be signed if Manchester United can offload the Spaniard in the summer. With Henderson tipped to leave Old Trafford, there could certainly be room for a new goalkeeper.
These links to Martinez now and reports of Manchester United scouting Leeds star Illan Meslier may indicate they are searching for a new No. 1 rather than a backup shot-stopper.
A move for Martinez could only materialise if the Red Devils part ways with De Gea next summer when he enters the final year of his contract, as the 29-year-old Argentine has previously made it clear that he does not wish to play the role of a deputy.
