Unai Emery: No issues with Emiliano Martinez after failed Aston Villa exit | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery insists there are no lingering issues with Emiliano Martinez after the goalkeeper’s summer exit plans collapsed.

The Villa star was heavily linked with Manchester United during the transfer window, as the Argentine international (54 caps) agitated to leave the Birmingham outfit.

Martinez did not get his move, remaining with the Villains as the Red Devils ultimately moved for Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead.

Emery left the 33-year-old out as Aston Villa lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Villa Park.

However, Emery has confirmed Martinez, who earns £187,500 per week, is now available for today as Villa prepare to lock horns with Everton in a Premier League clash.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Emery brushed aside any suggestion of ill-feeling between the player and club.

“Everything happens with players – maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving, maybe others were close to joining us,” Emery said (via AVFC.co.uk).

“It’s normal. I understand it completely. Staying here is good news. I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world, and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.”

The manager emphasised that Martinez’s focus remains intact despite the transfer speculation.

“He is always training to be his best, respecting Aston Villa. Emi is happy, and now he knows his challenge is with Aston Villa and his national team,” Emery added.

Aston Villa’s No.1 remains central to Emery’s plans. The challenge now for Villa will be ensuring Martinez stays focused amid future transfer interest.

The goalkeeper, with 213 Villa appearances to his name, has four years remaining on his contract, and his presence remains crucial as the club looks to push on under Emery.

Villa travel to Everton this weekend, still searching for their first points of the new season, with Martinez’s return expected to provide a timely boost between the sticks.