The future of Emi Martinez is set to be a key talking point heading into Aston Villa's summer transfer window. Last summer, there was an expectation that Martinez would leave after he broke down in tears following the final home game of the season against Tottenham. However, as the window progressed, no viable offers materialised for Villa to consider.
A move to Saudi Arabia did not appeal to Martinez, who was instead open to joining Manchester United on deadline day. They ultimately opted for Senne Lammens, and before that decision was finalised, Unai Emery had already left his number one out of the squad for the game against Crystal Palace as the window drew to a close.
It was a difficult start to the season for Martinez, but he quickly re-established himself as a crucial part of the team. A standout game came against Bournemouth, where he saved a key penalty and was man of the match despite Villa's 4-0 victory. In fact, Martinez's performances have placed him among the league's top-performing goalkeepers this season. As something of a late bloomer, he will feel capable of competing at the highest level for years to come, even as he approaches his 34th birthday in September.
After being criticised for considering a move away earlier in the campaign, many Villa fans were slow to forgive the disruption. However, his response on the pitch has gone a long way toward restoring his standing, and there is a strong possibility that he can leave as a club legend. With five league games remaining in the push for Champions League qualification, as well as a Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest - standing between Villa and a final against either Freiburg or Braga - silverware is firmly in Martinez's sights.
At the end of the season, regardless of whether Villa end their long wait for a trophy, Martinez's future is likely to come under scrutiny once again - hopefully after achieving the ambitions he set when joining the club six years ago. Villa may be open to reducing their wage bill, but they cannot expect a significant transfer fee for Martinez at this stage, having retained him through his peak years. A similar situation applies to Ollie Watkins, with both players' market values inevitably declining.
For the past six Premier League seasons, Villa have enjoyed stability in goal thanks to Martinez. However, this season has seen interruptions, with the goalkeeper forced off during warm-ups and at half-time due to injury concerns. Marco Bizot has proven to be a capable deputy when called upon, but he is not viewed by Emery as a long-term number one.
James Trafford is a potential successor, with Newcastle United also reportedly interested in the England international. At 23, Trafford lacks top-level experience and many of Martinez's refined qualities, but he offers significant potential and room for development as one of Europe's most promising young goalkeepers. Villa previously held an interest in Lucas Chevalier, who was considered a target earlier in the last summer window. Since moving to Paris Saint-Germain, however, he has struggled to adapt under Luis Enrique and lost his place to Matvey Safonov in December.
That particular case will serve as a warning to Villa, underlining the difficulty of replacing Martinez. Should he be entering his final weeks at the club, Villa will face the challenge of filling a significant void - both on and off the pitch.
