Emiliano Martinez was absent from Aston Villa’s squad against Crystal Palace amid growing speculation over a move to Manchester United.
The Argentina international, a World Cup winner in 2022, was replaced by summer signing Marco Bizot with youngster Sam Proctor named on the bench. Martinez, who turns 33 next week, is approaching 200 Premier League appearances since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020.
Unai Emery refused to expand on the omission. When pressed, he repeated Bizot’s name several times before concluding with the remark that “the time is over”.
United remain in dialogue with Villa over a possible deal, with Jadon Sancho emerging as a potential makeweight. Sancho, who has struggled for form at Old Trafford, spent last season on loan at Chelsea after a second spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Both clubs are also monitoring Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, with United submitting an improved offer. Strengthening in goal is considered essential at Old Trafford following difficulties for Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. Manager Ruben Amorim is understood to have lost confidence in Onana, who arrived from Ajax for £43 million in 2023.
Martinez has been linked with a departure throughout the summer. His performances for club and country have attracted consistent interest and his experience is regarded as a major asset. United’s pursuit underlines their determination to reinforce a position that has become increasingly fragile.
Villa are also active in the market and are set to complete the signing of former United defender Victor Lindelof on a free transfer after his contract expired earlier this summer.
United, meanwhile, have already added four new faces during the window. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon have all arrived as Amorim reshapes his squad.
Martinez’s absence only fuels expectation that his time at Villa Park may be nearing its conclusion. Talks with United continue and his future remains one of the most significant storylines of the window.
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