Man Utd have now submitted bid to sign £40m Premier League star - report

Manchester United have failed with an offer to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The Red Devils have had a productive summer transfer window with a couple of high-profile signings.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been signed to bolster the attack alongside teenage left-back Diego Leon.

Daily Mail now report that United have failed with an opening loan bid for Martinez.

United made the proposal to Villa officials over the weekend, but the offer was immediately knocked back.

The Midlands outfit value their vice-captain at £40 million with his contract only due to expire in June 2029.

It remains to be seen whether United are prepared to meet the asking price for the Argentine.

The club also hold an interest in signing Royal Antwerp shot-stopper Senne Lammens.

United should prioritise Lammens deal

Onana picked up an untimely hamstring injury during pre-season training earlier this month, but he could return ahead of schedule, according to reports.

The injury is not as bad as initially feared, and United are hopeful that he can recover in time for the friendly against Everton in the United States in early August.

With this in mind, the club should focus on signing a competitor rather than a direct replacement.

It is unlikely that Martinez will accept playing second fiddle to Onana. The same can be said about the latter. He may need to be sold this summer.

Martinez has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalkeepers, but he has shown signs of regression over the past 12 months at Villa.

The World Cup winner made five errors leading to shots in the league last term. His blunder at Old Trafford cost Villa a Champions League spot.

Martinez received a straight red card in the first half of the 2-0 loss in May. He is therefore suspended for the first three games of the 2025/26 campaign.

In our view, it does not make sense to spend £40m on Martinez, who could be past his prime soon. The former Arsenal man will turn 33 in September.

Instead, the club should secure a deal for Lammens, who is a young shot-stopper with immense potential. He had an exceptional 2024/25 season.

Antwerp are ready to sell the 23-year-old, having already signed a replacement. The Belgian could be recruited for a bargain fee between £13m and £17m.

It appears a no-brainer decision to sign Lammens to compete with Onana rather than making a huge outlay on Martinez based on his former exploits.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .