'didn't see it coming' - surprising villa transfer 'in the works' causes concern

A KEY ASTON VILLA PLAYER IS BEING LINKED WITH A MOVE AWAY FROM THE CLUB THIS SUMMER, AND A FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE STAR HAS SPOKEN ABOUT WHY IT WOULD BE BAD NEWS FOR UNAI EMERY LIAM RANDALL

16:15, 21 May 2025 Worries are growing over the possibility of Emi Martinez's leaving Aston Villa – and one ex-Premier League star has warned how it could well become a "massive

problem." Speculation has been increasing that the Argentine goalkeeper might be departing Villa Park after an emotional display at the club's final home fixture against Tottenham.

Martinez was visibly moved after the 2-0 victory over Spurs last Friday, acknowledging the fans in a way that sparked rumours of a farewell. When quizzed on the future of his No.1, Villa

manager Unai Emery was non-committal, only offering "we will see." The 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League during the upcoming summer transfer

window, with reports from Argentina now claiming he has also caught the interest of Manchester United and Barcelona. Former United and Birmingham shot-stopper Ben Foster admitted his

astonishment at what appeared to be Martinez's unexpected swansong, confessing he "didn't see it coming." Foster, who also had a lengthy spell at West Brom, warned that

Villa's aspirations of staying near the top of the Premier League next term might take a hit if he leaves. Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, he said: "At full time, it looked very

evident that he is going to be leaving the club in the summer, which is a bit of a surprise to be honest with you. I didn't see it coming, I really didn't. He's been linked

with a few teams, but I still never thought it would materialise. "He was in tears at full time, which leads me to believe that something's already in the pipeline. I think this is

a massive problem for Villa and I honestly think it's almost like they're sleepwalking into a massive problem. Article continues below "There's two people at that

football club where I think if they left, it would really trouble them. One's the manager and one's Emi Martinez, because I still think Emi has got another three or four years left

at the top level. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world." Since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has been instrumental in the team's success, including

qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals this season. His international career has also been illustrious, with two Copa America titles and a World Cup win with

Argentina. Despite signing a new four-year contract last August, Villa are reportedly preparing for Martinez's potential exit. JOIN OUR NEW ASTON VILLA WHATSAPP COMMUNITY

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and clicking 'Exit Group'. You can read our Privacy Notice here. When questioned about the speculation surrounding his goalkeeper's future after Friday's match, Villa

manager Emery said: "Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the

field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match." Article continues below Martinez is among Villa's top earners

and it's believed the club is open to bids. He was bought for £20million five years ago and would likely command a hefty fee. Arsenal target Joan Garcia is thought to be on Villa's

list of potential replacements. The Espanyol goalkeeper has a £21m release clause in his contract and has already expressed his readiness to depart from the La Liga side. DO YOU THINK

MARTINEZ WILL STAY OR LEAVE THIS SUMMER? TELL US HERE