EMILIANO MARTINEZ will reportedly be made available for transfer by Aston Villa this summer.
The 30-year-old hit the headlines after helping Argentina to win the World Cup in December.
He was named goalkeeper of the tournament but caused a furore moments after collecting the Glove Glove award by putting the trophy to his crotch and thrusting it forward.
That led to the recently-appointed Villa boss Unai Emery warning the stopper that he must learn to control his emotions.
But Emery slammed Martinez again this weekend for his part in Gabriel Martinelli’s goal for Arsenal.
The goalie decided to go up for a corner in the final moments with his side trailing 3-2.
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And the Gunners were able to counter quickly and score a fourth goal as the Brazilian tapped into an unguarded net.
Now the Daily Mail are claiming that “Aston Villa would consider offers this summer” for their No 1.
Although it is said they “are set to demand a high price”.
Martinez arrived at the club from Arsenal three years ago in a £16million move and last year agreed a new £100,000-a-week, five-year contract to become their top earner.
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He has previously declared his ambition to win the Champions League, something he is unlikely to be able to do with Villa at present, but is believed to be happy at the club.
Villa are under no pressure to sell either, although they “are not closed to the idea of doing so” with Emery reported to be wanting more of a “sweeper-keeper” for his side.
A host of clubs could all be in the market for a new goalkeeper come the end of the season, including both Manchester United and Tottenham.
Chelsea have also been urged to try and sign Martinez by Joe Cole after Edouard Mendy rejected a new contract.
Villa reportedly know that the South American is one of the players in their squad that is “guaranteed to generate a healthy profit” and it could see Martinez become one of the most-expensive goalkeepers on the planet.
Chelsea Kepa Arrizabalaga is the current top dog after his £71m transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
Liverpool star Alisson is second at £65m while Manchester City’s Ederson is third at £35m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
