Exclusive: Unai Emery to refused to sell Aston Villa star despite the £100m offer
Aston Villa May Offload Emiliano Martinez Amid Financial Pressures, but Club Remains Firm on Key Stars
As Aston Villa prepare for a busy summer transfer window, financial considerations are playing a major role in shaping their strategy. In particular, the club is reportedly considering the sale of first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to a team in the Saudi Pro League as a means of easing their position with regard to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Martinez, who has been a standout performer for Villa and a fan favorite since his arrival, may have hinted at a possible departure during the final stages of the season. Observers noted a seemingly emotional farewell to supporters after the last home match — a gesture that could foreshadow his exit from Villa Park.
Although nothing has been confirmed, the club is already exploring options for a new goalkeeper. Director of Football Monchi is believed to be actively working on potential replacements, with the club’s interest in OGC Nice’s Marcin Bulka already making headlines. This proactive search suggests Villa are preparing for life without the Argentine.
However, despite concerns about their PSR obligations, Aston Villa are not planning to dismantle their core squad. Manager Unai Emery, who has successfully led the team back into European competition, is reportedly determined to retain the majority of his key players and maintain momentum heading into the new season.
One of the players also rumored to be heading toward the exit door is winger Leon Bailey. The Jamaican international has had an inconsistent spell at Villa and, according to reports, both the club and player are open to parting ways. A move to either Spain or Italy is considered likely, though a transfer to Saudi Arabia remains a possibility.
In an update shared by TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, further details about Villa’s financial situation and transfer intentions have come to light. Bailey downplayed the severity of Villa’s PSR issues, stating that the club has already carried out shrewd business dealings to generate funds — notably through high-value sales of Jhon Durán and Moussa Diaby to Saudi Arabian clubs.
According to Bailey, while Martinez and Bailey are indeed among the most likely to be sold to help balance the books, there is no desire at the club to cash in on academy graduate Jacob Ramsey or young forward Morgan Rogers. Ramsey, who came through the club’s youth ranks, would count as pure profit under PSR accounting and has attracted significant interest from around the Premier League. Nonetheless, Villa remain committed to keeping him, viewing him as an integral part of their long-term project.
Similarly, Morgan Rogers — who enjoyed a breakout season under Emery — is seen as a non-negotiable asset. The club reportedly values the forward at over £100 million, a price tag that underlines their reluctance to part ways with him. Despite growing interest in the player following his strong performances, Villa’s stance remains firm: Rogers is not for sale.
Still, Emery is facing some internal frustration as the club’s financial position does limit their ability to aggressively pursue new signings. One recent blow was the realization that they are likely to miss out on Alex Baena — a Spanish attacking midfielder who previously worked under Emery and was seen as a top target. Baena’s absence from their summer recruitment plans is a setback for the manager, who has been hoping to strengthen the squad further.
While Villa’s PSR concerns are not seen as catastrophic, they are real enough to influence decision-making at the executive level. The club remains ambitious and wants to build on the momentum created under Emery’s leadership. However, they must tread carefully to avoid breaching financial regulations, which could lead to sanctions.
That’s where Monchi, the club’s highly respected sporting director, comes in. He will be tasked with orchestrating a smart and effective transfer window — one that balances the need for financial compliance with the desire to strengthen the team. That might mean letting go of players like Martinez and Bailey, who are still valuable assets and can bring in significant fees.