Manchester United is getting ready to make an unexpected £40 million bid for Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa. Earlier in the summer, the Red Devils had rejected the chance to sign the Argentina international, deciding it would be too expensive when his £200,000 weekly salary was taken into account. Instead, after outbidding many elite European rivals for the £20 million signing of Royal Antwerp’s much sought-after young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, United focused on him.
Lammens was anticipated to be signed prior to the transfer deadline on Monday night. The 23-year-old is thought to be Thibaut Courtois’ replacement as Belgium’s number one. Instead of making plans for the future, United suddenly appears prepared to accept a costly temporary fix with Martinez.
Due to his age and erratic temperament, Martinez—who turns 33 on Tuesday—has been viewed as a dangerous investment, which is why Villa is thinking of cashing in.
Although United has already flirted with PSR concerns after spending more than £200 million on new acquisitions this summer, they feel that signing the former Arsenal keeper is a risk they must take.
According to reports, Ruben Amorim doesn’t trust Turkish backup Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana. After a poor showing in the unexpected Carabao Cup loss at Grimsby in the middle of the week, Onana was left off United’s roster for the 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford.
Bayindir, who helped Fulham equalize in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage last week, committed another error on Saturday as the Clarets equalized for the second time.
Interestingly, Villa is also making an attempt to sign Lucas Paqueta, a midfielder for West Ham, to the West Midlands in a last-minute transfer deadline rush. Financial fair play regulations have prevented Villa from making the recruits Unai Emery wants, despite his attempts to strengthen his team.
Even if they are trying to acquire Paqueta, they will have some financial flexibility going forward if they can offload Martinez within the next 36 hours after making money on the sale of their homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
Although the Brazilian international is keen to join, West Ham is unhappy with the terms of the loan agreement they have been discussing, which includes a £50 million commitment to buy next summer.
It would be advantageous if Villa could make the transfer right away and offer more money up front.
Although Emery may be happy to allow experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot take over until January if they are unable to find their preferred Martinez replacement, a new goalkeeper is also expected to join.
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