Emi Martinez has given Unai Emery something to smile about this week as Aston Villa prepare for pre-season.
It’s been an eventful week at Bodymoor Heath, as Aston Villa welcomed three new faces to the club.
Following Douglas Luiz’s departure, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior arrived, with Ross Barkley also added to Unai Emery’s squad.
While the thrill of new signings has taken up the Villa boss’ mind this week, the Spaniard will be delighted to now learn that his squad is set to be bolstered even further ahead of pre-season.
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez will not go to the Olympics with Argentina
Currently at the Copa America with Argentina, Emi Martinez is hoping to see his nation retain their 2021 title at the tournament.
Martinez is both an integral part of the Villa squad and the Argentine national team however, his plea to play at the upcoming Olympics has been denied.
Javier Mascherano named his official squad to go to Paris for the Olympic Games, with the goalkeeper not included despite his desire to attend the tournament.
Aston Villa have refused to let Martinez go to the Olympics, with his omission from the squad now confirming his fate.
The Argentine will be bitterly disappointed after expressing how highly he values playing for the World Champions prior to the squad announcement.
“I always put the Argentine National Team ahead and if I have to fight with the club [Aston Villa], I will do it.”
Now, Martinez’s summer itinerary becomes much clearer, with him expected to return to Villa at the conclusion of Argentina’s Copa America adventure.
Unai Emery will now have Martinez for Villa’s pre-season plans
After the highs of the 2023/24 season, Emery will want to see a clean slate at Villa, with new objectives to be met in the upcoming campaign.
Along with competing in the Champions League, the Villans will hope to remain as contenders for the top four in the Premier League, with work starting in pre-season.
Emery’s squad have a packed pre-season plan ahead, starting on July 17th and ending with a duel against Borussia Dortmund on August 10th.
By missing the Olympics, Martinez will be available for the majority of Villa’s pre-season plans, most prominently the club’s USA tour, starting on July 27th.
While the Villa shot-stopper will be frustrated to not go to the Olympics, the club will be overjoyed to have their star man back in preparation for the 2024/25 calendar.
