Atletico Madrid eye up shock move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - but any deal WILL depend on Saudi Pro League transfer business
Atletico Madrid will move for Emiliano Martinez only if current goalkeeper Jan Oblak can be persuaded to accept an offer from the Saudi Pro League.
Oblak, 32, has interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and should he depart, Mail Sport understands Atletico would be interested in adding Martinez to the strong Argentine core in their squad. As things stand, however, Oblak is reluctant to leave the La Liga club and is under contract until 2028.
Martinez signed a new five-year deal with Villa less than a year ago but it is thought he is open to a new challenge.
He was very emotional on leaving the pitch after Villa's 2-0 win over Tottenham last Friday – their final game at Villa Park this season – and has interest in both Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Villa expect to trade heavily again this summer and will likely sell a key player before June 30 to ensure they comply with Premier League spending rules.
It is expected they will consider offers for Martinez if Unai Emery and his staff believe they can sign a younger alternative of similar ability. Like many clubs, they have been following the progress of Joan Garcia, a 24-year-old who plays for Espanyol.
Martinez's No2 Robin Olsen is set to sign for hometown club Malmo in Sweden at the end of the campaign, meaning there will already be a reshuffle among the goalkeepers this summer.
Asked about Martinez's reaction on Friday, Emery would not be drawn. He said only that it was 'very important for everyone to be focused on the final game of the season at Manchester United.
'And of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season, when we come back.'
Villa know a win at Old Trafford might not be enough to secure Champions League football.
Though Villa are level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle, their goal difference is inferior to their rivals. Manchester City can also move two points clear of Villa with a win over Bournemouth on Tuesday.
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