Aston Villa ace could make a surprise Villa Park exit next summer

One of Premier League’s finest goalkeepers, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, could reportedly be on his way out of Villa Park next summer in a big-money move.

As reported by La Razon, Atletico Madrid are considering Martinez as a replacement for Jan Oblak, whose contract at Wanda Metropolitano expires in 2023.

The deadline-day acquisition of Antoine Griezmann on loan from Barcelona has delivered a huge blow to Atleti’s salary restrictions. To accommodate his massive wages, Atleti might have to offload the Slovakian goalkeeper, who’s currently the highest wage-earner at the club. If Oblak departs, Atleti will seek the dependable and solid gloves of the Villa goalkeeper as a replacement.

Will Villa lose another talisman next summer?

Martinez stepped into a starting role at Arsenal when Bernd Leno got injured in 2020. His heroic performances helped the Gunners clinch their record 14th FA Cup title. But with the reintroduction of Leno into the squad, Martinez lost his place in the starting XI. He wanted regular game-time and sought a move away from Arsenal.

Martinez joined Villa for £17 million in the summer transfer window of 2020, and what a signing he has been. The Argentine has kept 16 clean sheets in 41 games for the Villans with a save percentage of 76.8%, making him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

He has been sensational for both club and country, with one of his best performances coming in Argentina’s Copa America final triumph in July.

Atleti coach Diego Simeone has scouted fellow Argentine Martinez as a potential replacement if Oblak leaves. However tempting Champions League football may be to the 28-year-old goalkeeper, Villa won’t let go of him easily. He is still on a three-year contract with the Villans and it would take a massive bid to get him out of Birmingham.

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