Emi Martinez to turn down ‘accepted’ Aston Villa offer after Man Utd failure

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is once again at the centre of transfer speculation, but fresh reports suggest the Argentine star has little desire to leave England for an overseas move following the collapse of his potential switch to Manchester United.

Martínez, who has established himself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the Premier League since arriving at Villa Park, was heavily linked with a transfer to Old Trafford earlier this summer. The 32-year-old reportedly made his feelings clear to the Villa hierarchy, informing them of his wish to depart and even agreeing personal terms with United in anticipation of the move. He was subsequently left out of Villa’s most recent matchday squad, fuelling speculation that his exit was imminent.

 

United, however, explored alternative options and eventually opted to move forward with a deal for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The Belgian is understood to have been one of two primary candidates under consideration by new boss Ruben Amorim, but ultimately emerged as the preferred choice. Reports from multiple outlets suggest United have struck a £22 million agreement for Lammens, with the player already flying in to undergo his medical ahead of the transfer deadline.

 

For Martínez, that decision leaves him in an awkward position. While there were whispers that Galatasaray had tabled a £21.6 million bid, and even claims from Turkey that Aston Villa had accepted the offer, reputable sources closer to the Midlands club have dismissed those suggestions. According to the Daily Mail’s Tom Collomosse, Martínez is “not keen” on making the move to the Turkish giants, despite the reported interest. Argentinian journalist Gastón Edul went further, insisting Galatasaray was “not an option” for the World Cup winner, effectively cooling talk of a transfer to Istanbul.

 

The situation has raised eyebrows, not least because Aston Villa are under some scrutiny regarding financial regulations. The club has only sanctioned the permanent departure of Jacob Ramsey this summer, but speculation has lingered around whether key names such as Martínez and Ollie Watkins could eventually be sacrificed to keep Villa compliant. Martínez’s apparent desire to move away, followed by his reluctance to head abroad, leaves both the player and club in a delicate position just days before the window slams shut.

 

Away from the goalkeeping saga, Villa have been busy on other fronts. One of the most eye-catching deals in recent days is the imminent arrival of Jadon Sancho on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Sources close to the deal, including transfer insider Graeme Bailey, credit former Villa loanee Marcus Rashford with playing a role in convincing Sancho to make the switch. Rashford is said to have spoken highly of his brief experience at Villa Park, helping sway the winger’s decision.

 

Additionally, Villa have secured the services of another former United player, Victor Lindelöf, who has signed a two-year contract. The Swedish defender adds depth and experience to Unai Emery’s backline, and his capture further underlines the Midlands club’s growing pull in the market.

 

Meanwhile, Villa are standing firm over the future of promising forward Morgan Rogers. TEAMtalk reports that the club have effectively scared off potential suitors by slapping a huge valuation on the 21-year-old, believed to be between £80 million and £100 million. Such a price tag reflects how highly Rogers is regarded internally, and signals Villa’s determination to keep their emerging talents despite wider speculation about sales.

 

In summary, while Martínez’s future remains uncertain, Aston Villa appear to be strengthening in other key areas. With Sancho and Lindelöf arriving and Rogers firmly in their plans, the club’s summer window is shaping up to be one of strategic additions—though the lingering goalkeeper saga ensures there is still intrigue in the final hours of trading.