Aston Villa are reportedly expecting significant interest in goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the summer transfer window.
When Villa committed to paying £20m for Martinez in September 2020, the stopper had been struggling for regular game with Arsenal and had not represented Argentina at senior level.
However, the 30-year-old has transformed his career, initially as first choice with the Premier League outfit and then through his achievements on the international stage.
On the club front, Martinez has played 96 times for Villa in all competitions, but he has remarkably earned 26 caps for Argentina since the beginning of 2021.
More recently, Martinez starred for La Albiceleste at the World Cup as his nation won the tournament for the first time since 1986 with victory over France on penalties.
© Reuters
Martinez played a leading role in that shootout, effectively securing his place in Argentine footballing history alongside teammate Lionel Messi.
From Villa's perspective, they are in a strong position should they wish to retain the services of Martinez in the long term due to his contract not expiring until 2027.
Nevertheless, according to the Daily Mail, the West Midlands outfit are expecting to have to try to fend off interest in his signature.
With Martinez's stock having risen considerably over the past two-and-a-half years, Villa will not entertain any offers unless they receive one which is well in excess of what they shelled out for the goalkeeper.
© Reuters
That said, head coach Unai Emery could theoretically suggest to the club's owners that they should cash in on Martinez to strengthen other areas of the team.
Martinez recently conducted an interview with France Football about his future ambitions, acknowledging that he had dreams of playing in the Champions League.
He said: "I'm still hungry, I want to win the Champions League. Obviously, I would like to do it with Aston Villa, but it will be difficult because the club is still in its growth phase.
"I won the most beautiful title there is with the national team and now I'm aiming for the biggest title."
Since returning to action with Villa, Martinez has made five appearances, conceding nine goals and keeping just one clean sheet.
Darren Plant
