Man Utd prepare ‘monster’ offer for Aston Villa star as plans shape up
Emiliano Martinez remains a goalkeeper target for Manchester United this summer and Aston Villa are expecting a bid, a report claims.
Martinez rose to prominence at Arsenal towards the end of last season after years in the shadows. He helped them win the FA Cup by starting the final against Chelsea. However, the Gunners eventually decided to stick with Bernd Leno as their number one.
That forced Martinez out, as he was ready for a bigger role after a long time as a backup. Aston Villa came forward and were willing takers for the Argentine.
Martinez has impressed since his move to Villa Park. He has kept 14 clean sheets from 30 Premier League appearances this season.
The 28-year-old has been one of the key factors in Villa having a better season. However, his form may have been too good for them to keep him.
Reports emerged last month suggesting that Man Utd were showing an interest. Now, it appears that interest is very much genuine and they could act upon it.
According to Football Insider, Villa are “braced” for a bid from United for Martinez. It seems his potential suitors are willing to spend big as the potential offer is described as “monster” in proportions.
United want to sign two goalkeepers in the summer, and Martinez is one of them. There are currently doubts about the futures of both David De Gea and Dean Henderson.
De Gea has not been his usual self in recent years. But Henderson has not had as many opportunities to push him as he would have hoped for after returning from a successful loan with Sheffield United.
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The report from Football Insider claims that De Gea will be the one to make way and Henderson will stay in the summer. But that does not mean the academy graduate will have any guarantees over his role.
The addition of Martinez would represent tough competition for the England international. He would have to fight for his place once again.
United are also ready to bid farewell to Sergio Romero when his contract expires. In that event, they will look for a new third-choice goalkeeper.
They have a “significant budget” to pursue two goalkeepers, meaning they could test Villa’s resolve for Martinez before turning their attentions to another reinforcement.
Man Utd scouting AFC Wimbledon keeper
Meanwhile, a separate report from the Daily Telegraph claims that United are scouting AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Matthew Cox.
Only 17 years of age, Cox is yet to debut at senior level for the League One side. However, he has been showing his potential at youth level.
United have looked at the EFL market for younger players before and may follow a similar avenue with Cox.
He has kept one clean sheet in three appearances for AFC Wimbledon’s under-18s in the FA Youth Cup this season.
It seems Cox would initially be one for the youth teams, but United – and other Premier League clubs – know his potential. He has been a substitute for AFC Wimbledon on occasion this season and made his England under-17 debut in February.
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