Emiliano Martinez has his “heart set” on joining Atletico Madrid this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Atletico and Manchester United have both registered their interest in signing the Aston Villa star following increased speculation around his future.
The Argentina international has revealed to friends his preference is to join Atletico in the coming weeks.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 May Martinez is ready to leave Villa after hiring super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The 32-year-old has been taken on as an A-list client of Mendes and his renowned Gestifute agency, having previously been represented by Universal Twenty Two.
Atletico are considering their goalkeeping options after Jan Oblak has received interest from Saudi Pro League sides.
Martinez, who is under contract at Villa Park until 2029, has rejected a move to Saudi as he wants to continue playing at the highest level.
Aston Villa have 12 days to complete big-name sale
Football Insider revealed on 18 June Villa must make a sale within the next 12 days to comply with the profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, is working around the clock to secure a big-name exit by the 30 June cut-off.
Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are among the first-team stars who could be offloaded for the kind of money that would enable the West Midlands giants to avoid a financial breach and a potential points deduction.
Martinez is regarded as the most likely player to leave before the club’s accounting deadline later this month.
Former Villa Park chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Man United are set to accelerate their interest in Martinez as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping options.
The Argentine has spent five successful years with Villa since joining from Arsenal for £20million in 2020.
Martinez kept 16 clean sheets in 53 appearances in the 2024-25 season, helping Unai Emery’s side reach the Champions League quarter-finals and record a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers transfer plan revealed
Villa are planning to turn down offers for Morgan Rogers as they look to keep hold of the attacker this summer.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, but Emery’s side are “confident” he will remain at Villa Park.
The England international, who joined the club in a £15million deal from Middlesbrough in January 2024, registered 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 appearances in the 2024-25 season.
