Manchester United have begun talks to sign Emiliano Martinez and the Aston Villa goalkeeper has indicated that he is keen on a move to Old Trafford, according to reports in Argentina.
United are believed to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window after Andre Onana made several high-profile errors this season.
Onana, who United signed in a £47 million deal from Inter two years ago, has also refused to rule out the possibility of leaving Old Trafford during an interview in Burkina Faso on Thursday.
When asked if he will be staying at United, Onana replied with a smile: ‘Will I leave? I don’t know, we will see.’
Martinez, meanwhile, has just finished his fifth season with Villa after he joined in a £20m deal from Arsenal in September 2020.
The World Cup winner appeared to wave farewell to supporters in his final game at Villa Park last month and had tears in his eyes during his lap around the pitch with his teammates.
Martinez has already received interest from the Saudi Pro League, however, it’s understood that the 32-year-old wants to remain in Europe.
According to ESPN Argentina, United have now opened talks with Martinez and the goalkeeper is open to joining Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, journalist Leo Paradizo said: ‘Talks have already begun, contacts so that Martinez can join Manchester United.
‘Of all the possibilities that he has in his immediate future, Manchester United is the one that excites him the most.
‘The clubs are going to take their time, but yes, I can confirm that the contact between Manchester United and Martinez have already started.’
Elsewhere, Viktor Gyokeres has turned down a move to United with the Sporting CP striker privately making it clear that Arsenal are his first-choice destination.
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, met with his Sporting counterpartto discuss a deal this week but an initial approach worth an €55m (£46.8m) plus a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons was turned down by the Portuguese club.
United, who were also rejected by Liam Delap earlier this month, could now follow up their initial interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen or Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
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