Manchester United Miss Out: Emiliano Martinez for European Giant 

Key Points

• Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa’s No.1 goalkeeper, appears destined for a move to Inter Milan despite his strong desire for a transfer to Manchester United.
• talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook reports that interest from Inter Milan is intensifying, particularly for the summer window when Yann Sommer is likely to depart.
• Martinez flirted heavily with Manchester United in the final hours of the 2025 summer transfer window, but United signed 23-year-old Belgian Senne Lammens instead.
• Former United boss Ruben Amorim coveted Martinez, with Red Devils centre-back Lisandro Martínez praising his compatriot.
• Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor claims Martinez was “desperate” to join Manchester United and suggests Villa should move on due to his inconsistency and injury issues.
• Martinez was dropped at the season’s start after his transfer desires surfaced, leading to a viral moment where Unai Emery repeated “Marco Bizot” in a pre-Crystal Palace interview.
• He received a red card for a howler on the last day of last season against Manchester United, costing Villa Champions League qualification.
• Injuries have limited his play this season; he will miss the Europa League match against Fenerbahce.
• Villa sit third in the Premier League, yet Martinez seeks a new challenge with Inter, who lead Serie A and offer Champions League football.
• His contract runs until 2029, and his exit could provide Villa with funds amid PSR concerns.

Birmingham (Manchester Mirror) January 23, 2026 – Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa’s standout goalkeeper and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup hero, seems poised for a transfer to Serie A giants Inter Milan, despite his desperate bid for Manchester United last summer falling through.​

Why is Emiliano Martinez linked with Inter Milan?

As reported by Alex Crook, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, on talkSPORT Breakfast with Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor, “The talk of Emi Martinez to Inter Milan is certainly gathering pace over in Italy. Not necessarily for this transfer window, but certainly for the summer when Yann Sommer, who I think is out of contract, likely to leave the club.” Crook added that Martinez has shown signs of wanting a new challenge for several windows, noting, “And I’ve just got the feeling, for a few windows now, that Martinez is maybe looking for a new challenge.”​

Inter Milan, under Cristian Chivu, top Serie A and can nearly guarantee Champions League participation next season, alongside a strong Scudetto push. Martinez, nicknamed ‘El Dibu’, has been Unai Emery’s longtime last line of defence at Villa, playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and earning the Golden Glove.​

What happened with Manchester United’s interest?

talkSPORT previously reported that then Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim coveted the keeper, with United centre-back Lisandro Martínez hailing his compatriot. However, United opted for 23-year-old Belgian prospect Senne Lammens, leaving Martinez in Birmingham. Crook detailed on air, “He flirted quite heavily with Manchester United, in the final hours of the summer window.”​

Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, went further: “I know for a fact, mate, he did more than flirt [with Man United]. He was desperate to go. Desperate to go.” Despite Villa’s third-place standing in the Premier League, Agbonlahor believes change suits all parties.​

How has Martinez performed at Aston Villa this season?

Agbonlahor criticised recent form, referencing Villa’s loss to Everton: “I think with Martinez the goal that Everton scored, it was poor goalkeeping for him. When he’s at it, he’s still a top goalkeeper, but he’s been inconsistent this season, injury problems again.” He added, “He’s not going to be involved [against Fenerbahce in the Europa League] so maybe it’s time for Aston Villa to move on.”​

After his transfer push became public, Emery dropped Martinez at the season’s outset, leading to a viral interview before Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. When asked why, Emery repeatedly said “Marco Bizot” – the No.2 keeper’s name. Though reintegrated, injuries have hampered him, echoing past setbacks.​

What was the impact of Martinez’s red card last season?

On the final day against Manchester United, Martinez’s howler resulted in a red card, derailing Villa’s Champions League hopes. This remains fresh for fans, many now open to his departure. His world-class status persists, but inconsistency and the error linger.​

Could Martinez’s exit benefit Aston Villa financially?

With his deal expiring in 2029, Martinez’s sale aligns with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in the Premier League. Villa could gain substantial funds for reinvestment. Agbonlahor’s view underscores that Villa might thrive without him, given emerging options like Bizot.​

Crook’s insights highlight Martinez’s glamour pursuit over Premier League stability, positioning Inter as ideal. No other sources contradict; talkSPORT remains the primary outlet. Villa fans weigh his World Cup legacy against recent woes.

Background on Martinez’s Achievements

Martinez’s 2022 World Cup heroics elevated him globally. At Villa, he’s anchored Emery’s side, but transfer rumours persist.​

Inter Milan’s Appeal

Leading Serie A, Inter offer trophies Martinez craves. Sommer’s exit paves the way.​

Villa’s Current Standing

Third in the Premier League, yet internal dynamics shift.