The latest reports from Old Trafford are that “anyone can be sold” including captain Bruno Fernandes, with that backdrop it is not surprising that Manchester United are looking for a replacement for first-choice goalkeeper André Onana.
Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Red Devils can’t wait for this miserable season to end, and without a game in Europe, they will have to avoid a repeat by investing heavily in the summer transfer window.
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Their ability to spend money obviously took a hit when they lost the Europa League final, but they are still confident of being able to bring in big names.
Matheus Cunha is set to be the first major summer signing, but he alone will require a significant sum of €74 million. United are also looking for a new striker, with Liam Delap as the main target – his departure from Ipswich has already been confirmed.
Delap will cost a relatively modest sum of 35 million euros, but he also has other suitors. If United don’t get him – which seems likely as he wants to play in the European Cup next season – they will probably have to turn to a more expensive option.
Other clubs naturally smell weakness and players with ambitions want to play in Europe, which together with little money will create difficulties in the summer market.
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The goalkeeper market in the spotlight
There are other problem positions that also need strengthening. Bringing in a new goalkeeper was not originally on the agenda, but André Onana’s disappointing performances recently have put the spotlight on the goalkeeper situation.
It is unclear how high a priority a new goalkeeper is right now, as attacking players seem to be a more urgent need. Nevertheless, United are keeping a close eye on the goalkeeper market. According to TEAMtalk, they are “serious” in their interest in Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez ready for a new challenge?
The Argentine was emotional after Aston Villa’s last home game of the season against Tottenham, and it is expected that he will seek a new challenge this summer. The source goes so far as to claim that the World Cup winner “is going to leave” the club.
Villa are willing to listen to offers, as they have to comply with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and will consider selling for a sum of around 48 million euros. But whether Martinez is interested in a move to Old Trafford remains to be seen.
With an experienced and trophy-decorated goalkeeper like Martinez, United could get a stabilising factor between the sticks – but the question is whether he sees them as an attractive next step in his career.
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