The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been linked with a high-profile move this summer
Atletico Madrid are closely watching Emiliano Martinez’s situation at Aston Villa as they prepare for the possibility of needing a new goalkeeper this summer.
The Spanish club are weighing up a move for the World Cup-winner, who is also attracting attention from Manchester United and Saudi Pro League clubs. United are yet to enter formal talks with either the player or the club.
Atletico may make a move for Martinez if long-serving keeper Jan Oblak decides to leave. Oblak has spent ten seasons as Atletico’s No 1 and recently represented the club at the FIFA Club World Cup. However, he has been linked with a move away this summer and should he move on, Martinez is seen as a potential replacement by manager Diego Simeone.
Martinez has enjoyed a strong five-year spell at Villa since arriving from Arsenal in 2020 for a £20 million fee. His performances have earned him several individual awards, including the Yashin Trophy and FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper award in 2022.
Villa fans chant his name at every home game, branding him “the world’s No 1”, although he did endure a slight dip in form last season.
The Argentine remains under contract until 2029 but his future depends on Villa’s financial position. The club are trying to navigate the Premier League’s PSR and have already sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr and Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad in recent windows. A big-money move for Martinez would ease pressure on their books.
Martinez helped Villa qualify for the Europa League but ended the campaign in dramatic fashion, sent off on the final day in a chaotic match at Old Trafford where Villa were controversially denied a goal.
