Aston Villa Goalkeeper's Absence Fuels Transfer Speculation
Aston Villa's preparations for their crucial Europa League encounter with Fenerbahce have been overshadowed by significant transfer speculation surrounding their first-choice goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez, the World Cup-winning Argentine international, has not travelled with the squad to Turkey for tonight's match, according to reports from Birmingham World. This unexpected absence comes at a time when the goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan.
Injury Concerns and Performance Issues
The exact reason for Martinez's omission from the travelling party remains unclear, despite attempts to verify the situation. The 31-year-old has recently been managing calf and back problems that have seen him in and out of the starting lineup throughout the current campaign.
Martinez's form has been inconsistent this season, with the goalkeeper producing both world-class performances and concerning errors. Notable mistakes include a costly spill against Everton that led to the only goal in a shock 1-0 defeat, and being beaten in the air against his former club Arsenal during their 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Growing Transfer Interest from Italy
This absence comes amid increasing speculation about Martinez's future at Villa Park. According to Sky Sports, Inter Milan have reportedly entered discussions about signing the Argentina international on a permanent transfer, with preliminary talks said to have taken place between the Italian club and Martinez's representatives.
The Champions League contenders are exploring the conditions of a potential deal, though the success of these discussions remains uncertain. This represents the latest chapter in what has become a recurring transfer saga, with Martinez having previously attempted to force a move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Backup Goalkeeper Steps Up
In Martinez's absence, backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot is expected to start against Fenerbahce at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The 34-year-old Dutchman, signed from Stade Brestois for a modest fee last summer, has already demonstrated his capabilities this season.
Bizot started in Villa's 2-1 FA Cup victory at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month and came on as a substitute during the second half of their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace when Martinez was withdrawn at halftime. Manager Unai Emery has expressed confidence in Bizot's ability to perform when called upon.
Potential Implications for Villa's Squad
Should Martinez depart during this transfer window, Aston Villa would need to secure a replacement goalkeeper, though credible links to potential signings have yet to emerge. The situation adds another layer of complexity to Villa's January transfer business, with the club also reportedly in talks to sign a promising Serie A player on loan.
The timing of Martinez's absence, coinciding with strong transfer interest from a Champions League club, has inevitably raised questions about whether this represents the beginning of the end for his Villa career. Supporters who were already frustrated by his attempted summer departure have grown increasingly critical of his inconsistent performances this season.
As the transfer window enters its final stages, all eyes will be on whether Inter Milan formalise their interest and whether Martinez's absence from the Fenerbahce trip proves to be more than just a temporary selection decision.
