Aston Villa in talks to sell ‘unbelievable’ star to Euro club, as he told Unai Emery the he wants Champions League football
Galatasaray Open Negotiations With Aston Villa Over Emiliano Martinez Transfer
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly entered formal discussions with Aston Villa regarding a potential summer transfer for Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, the Istanbul-based club is the latest to express serious interest in signing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Martinez, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar and has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, is believed to be on the transfer list as Villa faces growing financial pressures. The Midlands club is reportedly open to offers in the region of £25 million to £35 million for the 32-year-old shot-stopper.
Despite Galatasaray’s ambition and Champions League qualification, Martinez is said to prefer remaining in England. Manchester United have emerged as a potential destination, although the club has yet to make a formal approach. Current first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana remains in place, and there’s little indication that manager Ruben Amorim has plans to replace him imminently.
Nonetheless, Galatasaray’s interest is genuine and proactive. The club has identified Martinez as a top target to succeed long-serving veteran Fernando Muslera between the posts. With Galatasaray aiming to make an impact in the UEFA Champions League next season, they view Martinez as a marquee addition who can bring experience, leadership, and elite-level quality.
If the move materializes, Martinez would join a growing list of high-profile names arriving at Galatasaray. Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané is also expected to sign with the club on a free transfer later this month, further highlighting the Turkish side’s determination to compete at the highest levels of European football.
Martinez has spent five seasons at Villa Park and was instrumental in Unai Emery’s successful 2023–24 campaign, helping secure the club’s first UEFA Champions League qualification in decades. However, with Villa needing to balance their books ahead of the new season, a sale now appears increasingly likely.
In anticipation of Martinez’s potential departure, Villa are reportedly exploring replacement options. One name under serious consideration is Marcin Bułka of LOSC Lille. The 25-year-old Polish international, who has just a year remaining on his current contract, could be available for a fee between £10 million and £12.5 million. Villa view Bułka as a long-term solution in goal should Martinez move on.
While Martinez is flattered by the interest from clubs abroad, reports suggest he is still holding out hope for a move to Manchester United. He is believed to value the opportunity to continue competing in the Premier League and has not yet been swayed by offers from other leagues. Former England striker Peter Crouch labeled Martinez “unbelievable” for his performances last season, further cementing his status as one of the game’s top goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s immediate focus lies elsewhere, as they continue negotiations with Brentford over a potential deal for winger Bryan Mbeumo. Tottenham Hotspur’s recent hiring of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank has intensified the competition for the Cameroon international’s signature, but United remain confident they can finalize the transfer.
As the transfer window progresses, the future of Emiliano Martinez remains one of the more intriguing stories to watch — a saga involving a top-tier goalkeeper, two Champions League hopefuls, and the ever-shifting landscape of summer football business.