Aston Villa had a terrific season last time. They competed with some of the best teams in the league and Unai Emery managed to push his team to the Europa Conference League final. This was a monumental achievement for The Villans and a sign that the club could be returning to its glory days.
However, Unai Emery is not satisfied. Ideally, he would like to qualify for the competition he loves the most in the Europa League. This is achievable by either winning the Conference League, which is a great opportunity for Villa, or by finishing in the top six of the Premier League.
To achieve such high aspirations, though, Emery must not only improve his squad, but keep his best players happy. Unfortunately for Emery, his best player Emiliano Martinez is linked with a move away.
Inter Milan submit £13m bid for Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez
According to TyC Sports Argentina, Inter Milan have offered Aston Villa £13m for the signing of their World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez. Given how important Martinez is to Aston Villa and that his contract runs until 2027, this is not likely to cut it.
Martinez is 30 years old, which is still relatively young by a goalkeeper’s standard. He seems to only be getting better too. Given Aston Villa’s involvement in European competition next season, they need a squad of proven winners who are able to step up on the big occasion. Martinez has shown, both with Argentina and Arsenal, that he can put in solid displays in some of the biggest matches.
There was a little tiff between Unai Emery and Martinez earlier in the season, when Emery was frustrated at his goalkeeper for not following instructions. But this dispute seems to be squashed now, and the two have a good working relationship. Undoubtedly, Emery will want to keep him.