Inter Milan have enquired about the possibility of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports in Italy.
The World Cup winner appeared destined to leave the Midlands club last summer and join Manchester United.
The Red Devils had a £34million bid rejected by Villa, knowing the player had a long-term contract with the club until 2029.
While Martinez is still an integral figure under Unai Emery, his form hasn’t shown the consistency that saw him earn a place in the Team of the Season in the 2023/24 campaign.
Inter Milan Make Contact With Emiliano Martinez
Italian media suggest The Nerazzurri have made contact with Martinez’s entourage to discuss whether he would be open to a switch at the end of the season.
It’s highly unlikely Villa would let him leave this month, given the lack of time to find a replacement and their Europa League ambitions.
Inter Milan are looking for a new stopper to replace Yann Sommer, who recently turned 37.
Sommer’s deal expires at the end of the season, and Inter believe Martinez would be an ideal option to become their new No1.
The club sit at the top of Serie A, and the motivation to play Champions League football consistently will certainly be an attractive proposition for Martinez.
However, his salary may prove a stumbling block as he would need to take a wage reduction.
Martinez is one of the top earners at Aston Villa, believed to be on a salary in the region of £150,000-a-week.
Aston Villa Transfer News
Wrexham defender Max Cleworth has played down reports linking him with Aston Villa after putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Cleworth committed his future at the Welsh side until 2029 and said: “I genuinely didn’t know anything about it [Aston Villa transfer links].
“It was always about committing to the club for me. It took a bit of time to get the deal done but me, obviously my family, my agent – it was all we were pushing to do.”
Villa are also being linked with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after allowing Donyell Malen to join Roma.
Juventus wanted Mateta, but the Italian side pulled out of a deal because they felt Palace’s asking price was too high for a player with just over a year left on his contract.
According to David Ornstein, the move could also involve Villa’s Evan Guessand heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
