Emi Martinez lined up for lucrative transfer as Aston Villa eye Arsenal target as new No.1

Emi Martinez is being lined up for a move to the Saudi Pro League, with already scouting for a new No.1. Martinez has been a key player for the Midlands side since joining from in 2020.

He helped them to qualify for this season's and reach the semi-finals of the . The 32-year-old has enjoyed further success on the international stage, winning two Copa Americas and the World Cup with Argentina.

But he has also frequently raised eyebrows with his off-field antics, including arriving for the Champions League quarter-final against wearing a cap showing the trophies he had won. Villa ended up losing that first leg 3-1 in Paris.

The Argentine's performances for Villa have also attracted criticism and he infamously clashed with boss in the manager's first season in charge when he ignored instructions not to go forward for a corner.

While he has won the Yashin Trophy in successive seasons, it appears Villa are gearing up to move on from him this summer. Martinez only signed a new deal last August, which runs for another four years.

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But according to the , the Argentine is being targeted for a move to Saudi Arabia. Signing Martinez would be a 'significant coup' for the Middle East division, though it is so far unknown which clubs are interested in him.

Given their precarious state with Profit and Sustainability rules, Villa will need to sell this summer. Martinez is one of their highest earners after his lucrative new contract and rivals are said to believe they are willing to listen to offers.

He was bought for £20million five years ago and Villa would likely demand a high price for him. There are said to be 'indications' that Villa are planning for his potential departure this summer.

Arsenal target Joan Garcia is understood to be among their list of potential replacements. The Espanyol keeper has a £21m release clause in his contract and has already stated he feels ready to leave the side.

He said: "I am a very cold person in every sense and I think that this attitude helps me. I am very calm at Espanyol, with an opportunity that I have been waiting for a long time.

"It will be for the good of everyone [if I leave]. Mine and the club, which is the one that has made me grow. It can’t be any other way."

Martinez meanwhile has previously made it clear he sees his future as being at Villa Park for some time to come. He said in November: "Obviously they feel the love and respect I have for the club because they invested in me when I really wasn't what I am today.

"How well the national team is doing, what I achieved in this club, the people love you, my family is well here, every time I play, on the pitch I feel praised, I feel like I’m playing in Argentina and that’s really hard to achieve.

"Making a change [transfer] doesn’t mean there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. And playing as good as I am with the national team and with the club and feeling I am growing, why would I change that? I haven't reached my peak yet, I feel great."

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