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Man Utd enter transfer race to sign Premier League star to replace €55m flop

Manchester United FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Man Utd must fight Barcelona to sign the Aston Villa goalkeeper in the summer window (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are in the transfer race to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in order to replace Andre Onana, according to reports.

It recently emerged that Martinez had already received three offers to leave Villa after he appeared to emotionally wave goodbye to the club’s fans.

Reports claimed that Martinez had received ‘firm offers from two top European clubs’ and also had the chance to join the Saudi Pro League.

The two European sides have now been named via The Sun – with United set to rival La Liga champions Barcelona for the Argentine’s signature.

Martinez has shined in the Premier League since he moved to Villa Park from Arsenal for £20m five years ago, making 211 appearances to date.

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The 32-year-old has also impressed on the international stage, helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and land two Copa America trophies.

United would no doubt love to bring Martinez to Old Trafford given their current No.1 goalkeeper Onana, who they signed for £47.2m (€55m), has largely flopped since he joined the Red Devils from Inter Milan in 2023.

Andre Onana has largely flopped since his €55m move to Man Utd (Picture: Getty)

Onana has made a number of huge mistakes across his first two seasons for the club and was dubbed ‘one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history’ by Nemanja Matic in April.

In order for United to replace Onana with Martinez, Ruben Amorim’s side will likely need to get their hands on this season’s Europa League trophy.

That’s because Martinez is believed to be keen to play Champions League football next term, which United will qualify for if they defeat Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

Emiliano Martinez is one of the best active goalkeepers in the world (Picture: Getty)

Martinez is widely regarded as one of the best active goalkeepers in the world, clinching the prestigious Yashin Trophy in both 2023 and 2024.

He was also named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2024 respectively and landed the Golden Glove at the most recent World Cup.

Martinez is not the only goalkeeper United are taking a look at, though, with the Red Devils linked to a number of alternative options too.

Last month, it was reported that United were weighing up a bid to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the summer transfer window.

United have also reportedly asked for information about signing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Red Devils have made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos too as another potential replacement for Onana.

Meanwhile, Teddy Sheringham has urged his former club United to snub a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in the summer.

Kelleher is keen to secure more regular playing time, having operated as a No.2 to Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker to date.

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