Manchester United’s search for a new goalkeeper may be heating up — and it looks like Emiliano Martínez could be the answer. The Aston Villa and Argentina star has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, and now fresh reports suggest the deal could be more affordable than previously expected.

United’s current number one, André Onana, has faced a mixed debut season since arriving from Inter Milan. While he’s shown glimpses of brilliance, inconsistency has raised questions about his long-term future. According to UtdDistrict, new United boss Rúben Amorim, who enjoys a strong relationship with Onana, still has doubts over whether the 29-year-old is the right fit for the future.

Things have become more complicated with Onana recently picking up a hamstring injury. He’s set to miss pre-season — and possibly the start of the Premier League season — leaving United thin in the goalkeeping department. Meanwhile, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is expected to leave, which means United urgently need a top-quality shot-stopper before the campaign kicks off.

Martínez Deal Gains Momentum

That’s where Emi Martínez comes in. The 32-year-old World Cup winner has long been admired for his commanding presence, leadership, and penalty-saving heroics. According to reports from Argentina’s largest newspaper Clarín, Martínez already has “everything ready” to make the move to Manchester United — and Amorim has now given the green light.

The big twist? United may not have to fork out the full £40 million that Villa originally demanded. Clarín claims that Martínez has a release clause of just £21.6 million in his contract, significantly lowering the barrier for a deal.

This revelation has turned the transfer saga on its head and could make the move far more straightforward than expected. It’s understood that talks between the two clubs have advanced in recent days, with negotiations set to continue.

United Eyeing Another “Zirkzee-Style” Deal

Even though the release clause offers a bargain price, United may still choose to pay more — but with a twist.

Last summer, the Red Devils paid £36 million to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, despite his £34 million release clause. The reason? They wanted to spread the payments over multiple seasons instead of paying the full fee upfront. It’s a move that allowed them to keep their finances flexible, and it worked.

According to Sport Witness, United want to repeat the same strategy for Martínez. They’d be willing to pay more than the £21.6 million release clause — as long as the fee is structured over time. It’s a financially clever approach that could benefit both United and Villa, especially with Villa needing to balance Financial Fair Play (FFP) books this summer.

Martínez Wants United Move

Despite interest from Barcelona, Galatasaray, and several Saudi clubs, Martínez appears to have his heart set on a move to Old Trafford. Clarín states that the goalkeeper sees the transfer as a “qualitative leap” in his career, showing that he believes United is still one of Europe’s elite clubs, even after recent struggles.

Martínez, who played a huge role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, has also been outstanding for Aston Villa. Last season, he helped the club secure a top-four finish and qualification for the Champions League — a huge achievement under Unai Emery. His experience, leadership, and winning mentality could bring exactly what United’s shaky backline needs.

Amorim’s Rebuild in Full Swing

It’s clear that new manager Rúben Amorim is wasting no time in reshaping his squad. After sealing a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha, United are also pushing ahead with talks to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, a deal which could also cost around £70 million.

Securing a reliable and world-class goalkeeper is next on the list. With Onana’s injury and uncertain future, Martínez would bring not just security between the posts, but also serious competition.

At 32, he may not be a long-term solution, but in the short term, Martínez could offer United the same sort of presence and consistency that David de Gea once did — something the Red Devils have missed since the Spaniard’s decline in his final seasons.

As it stands, United fans may not have to wait too long. With negotiations progressing and Amorim’s approval secured, a deal could be wrapped up swiftly — especially if United activate the release clause or strike a favorable payment plan with Villa.

While nothing is official yet, the signs are all pointing in the same direction: Emiliano Martínez could soon be wearing red, stepping out onto the Old Trafford pitch as United’s new number one.