Manchester United's search for a new goalkeeper is set to lead them to World Cup winner Emilio Martinez - but they face a three-way battle for his signature.
Manager Erik ten Hag is pursuing his options as negotiations over a new contract with David de Gea continue to stall. After 12 successive seasons as the United No 1, the Spaniard is out of contract this summer and should he wish to remain at Old Trafford, will have to agree to a huge pay cut from his £375,000-a-week wages.
Ten Hag has been monitoring the likes of Porto stopper Diogo Costa while the club have also been linked to England No 1 Jordan Pickford, but now Argentine hero Martinez is in the frame. The 30-year-old catapulted himself into folklore in his home country last year after he was integral to them capturing the crown for the first time since 1986.
And now the former Arsenal man has three Premier League clubs pursuing him should he decide to leave Aston Villa this summer. TYC Sports reporter Gaston Edul has reported that as well as United, Chelsea and Spurs are in the mix for his signature, with none likely to be deterred by reimbursing the £17million the Birmingham club paid back in 2020.
It has been claimed by the outlet that Martinez is considering changing clubs this summer. Tottenham are understood to be leading the chase, though whether the Argentine will consider a move to his former club Arsenal's North London rivals remains to be seen.
With Hugo Lloris injured and out for the remainder of the season amid fears he has played his last game for the club, Daniel Levy's club are also expected to search hard for a new keeper. Chelsea are also exploring their options on replacing the inconsistent Kepa, but both London clubs are currently without a full-time manager and unlike United, are set to miss out on Champions League football next season.
And an exit for Martinez could be accelerated by his seemingly frosty relationship with Unai Emery. Whilst the keeper was lauded for his display in the final in Qatar, his post-match antics proved divisive as he mocked French striker Kylian Mbappe and made lewd gestures with his winning medal.
It prompted the Spanish boss to publicly vow to address his behaviour, and then in February, was lamenting him again after Martinez went up for a corner against Arsenal at Villa Park, with his side trailing 3-2. The move backfired, with the Gunners clearing to Gabriel Martinelli who finished into an empty net.
"He decided himself to go up. They are the protagonists but I told him I don't like it," said Emery afterwards. he said. "I told him that maybe (goalkeepers) can score in the history one or two times, there's more goals scored against you. (We) wasted more time than I want."
