Unai Emery to make Emiliano Martinez concession after Aston Villa U-turn
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Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media, Imago
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Tue 2 September 2025 15:58, UK
Unai Emery is expected to reintegrate goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into the Aston Villa side, sources have told Football Insider.
Martinez had looked set to leave Villa, but his prospective move to Manchester United didn’t materialise on deadline day.
United opted to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead, leaving the Argentina international with no choice but to remain with the Midlands giants.
Despite his desire to leave, sources say that Emery is happy to reintroduce Martinez into the fold, following the transfer deadline passing.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
On Sunday (31 August), Emery left Martinez out of Aston Villa’s lineup to face Crystal Palace, due to the speculation surrounding the 33-year-old.
With backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot between the sticks, Villa fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat, as their poor start to the season continued.
It is clear that Emery’s side are better with Martinez involved, and with the Argentine now set to stay at Villa Park, they will utilise his qualities rather than giving him the cold shoulder.
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The Midlands outfit are competing in the Europa League this season as well as domestic competitions, so must get their best players playing well to enhance their chances of success.
Credit: Imago
Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma will replace James Trafford as Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, sources have told Football Insider.
City confirmed the signing of Donnarumma on Tuesday (2 September) morning, with the Italian joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around £30million.
Pep Guardiola was able to add the 26-year-old to his goalkeeping ranks, following the sale of Ederson to Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
Sources say that Donnarumma is likely to come in and immediately replace Trafford, who has had a difficult start to life back in Manchester.
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