Unai Emery has made his position clear regarding Aston Villa's goalkeeping situation, expressing satisfaction with his current options despite fresh speculation linking the club with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Emery's Confidence in Current Squad
Sources within Aston Villa have confirmed that manager Unai Emery is happy with his goalkeeping department as the January transfer window approaches. This stance comes despite recent reports from Spain, which emerged in the past 24 hours, suggesting Villa had expressed an interest in Barcelona's experienced German international, Ter Stegen.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been the subject of past transfer rumours involving Villa, but Emery is not believed to be seeking a change. The manager has confidence in both his established number one, World Cup winner Emi Martinez, and summer signing Marco Bizot, who have performed reliably this season.
Summer Window Context and Current Form
This news follows a summer transfer window where Martinez's future was uncertain. Manchester United showed concrete interest in the Argentine shot-stopper, bringing him close to a Villa Park exit. However, the Premier League giants ultimately signed Senne Lammens instead.
Villa did recruit a goalkeeper in the summer, bringing in Marco Bizot. However, his arrival was specifically to replace the departing Robin Olsen as Martinez's deputy, not to challenge for the starting role. This strategy has proven effective, with Bizot demonstrating his quality as a high-calibre understudy when called upon during Martinez's recent injury absence.
Looking Ahead to Manchester United Clash
Ahead of Villa's crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Sunday, Emery is hopeful that Martinez will be fit to return to the starting lineup. Should the Argentine not be ready, there is full confidence within the club that Bizot can step in and deliver a strong performance.
The clear message from Bodymoor Heath is one of stability. Unai Emery, focused on maintaining Villa's competitive momentum, sees no need to disrupt a goalkeeping unit that is functioning well, effectively putting an end to the speculation surrounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
