Emi Martinez responds to Aston Villa exit rumours amid Arsenal and Man Utd links
Emiliano Martinez refused to dismiss speculation he could leave Aston Villa after being linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Martinez has enjoyed five largely successful seasons at Villa Park, making over 200 appearances for the Midlands club following a £20m move from Arsenal.
The 32-year-old was not at his best last season but before that was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Martinez came through at Arsenal but only made 38 first-team appearances for the Gunners before being sold in 2020.
Aston Villa's difficult financial situation has led to speculation Martinez could be sold this summer and several Premier League clubs have been linked with moves.
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Arsenal are said to be interested in bringing the World Cup winner back to the Emirates Stadium in case Real Madrid step up their interest in Mikel Arteta's current No. 1 David Raya.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move following Andre Onana's disappointing form at Old Trafford.
Martinez was asked about his future at Aston Villa ahead of Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers and refused to play down speculation he could be set for a summer move.
'My future? I don't know, I come here to play for the national team, and that's the only thing that matters to me right now,' he said.
'Do I want to move to a new club? The transfer window just opened, so there's still a long way to go.'
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gave a defiant response to the Martinez transfer rumours on the final day of the Premier League season.
A week earlier, Martinez appeared to wave goodbye to Villa fans after their final home game of the season.
TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach said: 'Will today potentially be the final time we see Emiliano Martinez play for Aston Villa?'
'No way,' Emery replied. More Trending
Breach continued: 'Definitely not? He's staying at the club?' before Emery said 'see you later' before thanking her for the interview and walking off.
Martinez's questionable form continued on the final day as the Argentine was sent off in Aston Villa's costly 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Emery's side travelled to Old Trafford hoping to qualify for next season's Champions League but ended up missing out on a spot in the top-five.
Villa still enjoyed another promising campaign, however, finishing sixth in the Premier League and going deep in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
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