Aston Villa were reportedly willing to listen to offers for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer with a view to a sale, but no reasonable bids arrived.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who have claimed that no club “has come close” to meeting his potential asking price.
Martinez joined Villa for around £20m from Arsenal three years ago, and has four years left to run on his contract, which he extended last year.
Villa would have been willing to listen to offers, and would have had to replace Martinez if he left, but it now appears that the 30-year-old will stay at the club, in a boost to Unai Emery.
How good is Emi Martinez?
Martinez’s best moment came in the World Cup final in Qatar, as he made a crucial save in the final seconds of the final before eventually lifting the trophy, and winning the Golden Glove.
Having now proven himself on the biggest stage, the Argentine’s presence in goal for Villa has been crucial, and he has delivered some top performances in a Villa shirt.
Unless the club were to receive a huge offer, a sale will have been a backwards step, and the keeper seems to be settled at Villa Park.
Former Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere described Martinez as “amazing” after the World Cup final, and now he is on a long term contract, it seems likely that he will continue as Villa’s number one for years to come.
Martinez has conceded 134 goals in 112 games for the club, keeping 39 clean sheets in that time, and will now enjoy a season in European competition as Villa have qualified for the Europa Conference League.
The keeper will have to be wary though, as new Premier League rules on timewasting may affect him, given that he picked up seven yellow cards last season.
