Emiliano Martinez commited to Aston Villa says Unai Emery | OneFootball

Unai Emery has moved to quash speculation around Emiliano Martinez’s (33) future, insisting the Aston Villa goalkeeper is “happy and committed” ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton.

The 33-year-old World Cup winner had been heavily linked with Manchester United during the summer transfer window, even missing Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. However, with United securing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, Emery confirmed that Martinez remains fully focused on Villa, as reported by BBC Sport.

“Everything happens with players, some stay, some are close to leaving, others arrive,” Emery said. “But staying here is good news. I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world. His commitment to Aston Villa is massive.”

Martinez, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, has become a cornerstone of Emery’s side, with the Villa boss underlining that the goalkeeper’s dual focus remains on club and country.

Villa will also welcome new recruits Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho, and Victor Lindelöf into the squad this weekend. Emery cautioned, however, that Sancho, who joined on loan from United after training away from the first team, will be integrated gradually.

Villa will play Everton on Saturday.

GFN | Finn Entwistle