Manchester United and Chelsea Battle for Emiliano Martinez

The summer transfer window is heating up, and one of the names creating a stir in Premier League circles is Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, a World Cup winner with Argentina, could soon be on the move—with both Manchester United and Chelsea eager to bring him in as their new No. 1. But beyond his undeniable talent, there’s a financial urgency behind Villa’s willingness to let him go.

Aston Villa’s remarkable campaign under Unai Emery saw them break into the top tier of English football once again, but behind the scenes, there’s pressure to balance the books. Financial Fair Play regulations (specifically, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules) have forced the club to consider selling valuable assets—and Martinez is one of the few players who could bring in significant cash without weakening the team too drastically in the long term.

At 32, Martinez is still at the top of his game, but his value might not stay this high forever. Villa are reportedly looking for around £45 million to sanction a transfer, and while that price tag might have scared clubs off in years past, this market is shaping up differently. With several top clubs desperate to fix issues between the posts, the timing for a sale couldn’t be more strategic.

Manchester United’s interest in Martinez isn’t new. The club is evaluating options to replace Andre Onana, who struggled at Old Trafford and has reportedly lost the trust of both fans and sections of the coaching staff. However, a potential deal for Martinez hinges on United first offloading Onana, with a valuation of around £35 million being floated for the Cameroonian.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have moved more swiftly. With Robert Sánchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to convince new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues are actively searching for a consistent, commanding presence in goal. They’ve already been offered the opportunity to negotiate for Martinez and could be tempted to move ahead of United if the Red Devils stall on their own goalkeeper situation.

Interestingly, Chelsea has an inside edge—assistant manager Willy Caballero is a vocal supporter of Martinez. The Argentine connection and Caballero’s admiration could help convince the keeper that Stamford Bridge is the right place for his next chapter.

Martinez, for his part, is believed to prefer a move to Manchester United. Sources in South America indicate that the allure of Old Trafford, and the potential to compete at the highest level consistently, is something that appeals to the player. However, preferences can shift quickly in football, especially when time and financial pressure start to mount.