Serie A giants Inter Milan are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the January transfer window. The Argentina shot-stopper continues to be linked with a big-money move away from Villa Park after missing out on a deadline-day switch to fellow Premier League side Manchester United in the summer.
Report claims Inter are eyeing Martinez amid doubts over Sommer
In a new report from Italian heavyweights Inter are interested in landing Martinez when the transfer window re-opens in just over a month’s time. The report claims Villa are prepared to cash in on the 33-year-old, should a suitable offer arrive at the start of next year.
The report states Cristian Chivu’s Inter have doubts over current No. 1 goalkeeper Yann Sommer and are therefore weighing up their options ahead of the January transfer window. The Nerazzurri are currently top of Serie A on 24 points, leading the way ahead of second-placed Roma thanks to a better goal difference.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited opted to sign Belgium 'keeper Lammens instead of Martinez
While it remains to be seen whether Martinez will leave in January, the rumours continue to swirl following his failed transfer to Ruben Amorim’s United in the summer. The former Arsenal goalkeeper was reportedly sitting by the phone as he waited to hear whether Villa and United had agreed a transfer on deadline day, only for the Red Devils to sign youngster Senne Lammens instead.
Lammens has been a revelation since moving to Old Trafford from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old made his Premier League debut against high-flying Sunderland on 4 October, keeping a clean sheet as Amorim’s men recorded a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.
Former Club Brugge stopper Lammens has remained between the sticks for United’s following four league games – the 2-1 and 4-2 victories over Liverpool and Brighton respectively, as well as the 2-2 draws with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
Lammens also made his debut for the Belgium senior team in their thumping 7-0 victory over minnows Liechtenstein in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. Rudi Garcia’s side subsequently booked their place at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after topping Group J ahead of second-placed Wales.
Young shot-stopper receives praise from former United boss Sir Alex
Such has been Lammens’ impressive form that he has been praised by legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Speaking to earlier this month, the Scot said: "There are signs, the manager has had some good signs. Particularly the goalkeeper has been outstanding, he’s only played three or four games and he’s looking really good.
“Of course, Mbeumo and Cunha, the new players from Wolves and Brentford, they’ve added to it. I hope the manager gets a bit of success because at United you need to have success – the signs are getting better.
“I think back-to-back wins is something teams like United should always expect. But having gone through a cycle where the improvement has to come by waiting and being patient, they’ll enjoy it now.”
Getty Images SportArgentina ace Martinez told he missed out on 'chance of a lifetime'
Meanwhile, former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes Martinez missed out on “the chance of a lifetime” after United opted to sign Lammens ahead of him.
In an interview with Given said: “It felt very close in the window just gone past, with him not playing. I think Villa played in a live game on deadline day, and he wasn’t in the squad. Everyone thought he was off, maybe to Manchester United, but that didn't happen. Then he came back as number one again to Villa.
“He’s playing again, he’s their top man. I don’t know if the ship has sailed for a move next summer. Manchester United? Probably, not that Senne Lammens has arrived and done really well. Maybe it was a chance in a lifetime for Emi, and it’s been missed now.”
Martinez is expected to start as Villa return to Premier League action against Leeds United on Sunday. He could then lock horns with both Amorim's United and Lammens when the two sides face off in the league on Sunday, 21 December at Villa Park.
Elsewhere, United and Lammens will look to continue their fine form when they entertain Everton in the league on Monday evening, while Martinez’s reported suitors Inter face rivals Milan in the derby on Sunday night.
