There has not been any official word from Aston Villa. Most anticipate that Emiliano Martínez will no longer be with the club through the summer. After the emotional scene following the last win and the club needing to comply with PSR guidelines, the world's No. 1 appears to be on his way out of B6.
In terms of who is available, there are numerous options for Villa to potentially turn to. Caoimhin Kelleher or Andriy Lunin are good GK choices in the event of the Argentine moving on. It would be incredibly difficult for anyone else to stand between the posts, particularly at Villa Park.
Since arriving in 2020, Martínez has lived the spirit of what it means to play for the Villa badge. He has definitely established himself as the best keeper in the sport.
At times the captain, always a leader, he has made a considerable impact for AVFC in his role. Not only does Martínez show his class as a goalie, but he's also taken on the brunt of opposing fans' hatred. For him, playing the role of a villain Villan is something he has embraced, preferring for outsiders to focus on him, allowing for his teammates to go through unscathed by comparison.
What could never be questioned is how much Martínez cared about the club. Every match, as an Iron Man, he repeatedly stepped up and gave Villa the needed lift to achieve the desired result. The Argentina international was the heart and soul throughout all of the matches he was a part of.
Sad news likely to come for Aston Villa No. 1
Granted, it may be premature to speak of Martínez in the past tense. Unfortunately for Villa supporters, the writing appears to be on the wall. There are reportedly offers from Manchester United and Barcelona, as well as the Saudi League.
At this time of year, it must be considered that virtually everyone is linked to everywhere. That is to say that rumors can take too much of a life of their own. Until confirmed, Martínez is still a Villan.
Knowing what may come and what looks likely, it could be an unhappy ending and departure with many emotions of anger because of the circumstances that ultimately will have led to his departure.