Aston Villa Ready To Sell Top Star To Inter Milan For PSR Regulations: Is It The Right Decision? | OneFootball

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has indicated that Aston Villa might sanction the departure of Emiliano Martinez. This could happen during the current January transfer window or later this summer. The move is happening because of pressing financial obligations.

Emi Martinez linked with Inter Milan move as Aston Villa eye financial balancing act

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke highlighted that many expected Martinez to bid farewell last summer. He referenced emotional scenes where the Argentine waved to fans in tears during the season’s final home game. Although that move never occurred, Europe’s elite clubs still maintain a high interest in him. This is simply because the 33-year-old is a premier shot-stopper.

Inter Milan reportedly view Martinez as an ideal successor to Yann Sommer. Sommer’s contract expires in June 2026. The Italian giants need a long-term solution between the posts, and Martinez fits their requirements perfectly. But Villa would want a substantial fee to let him go. This price tag complicates any potential deal.

For Aston Villa, the driving force is compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). O’Rourke suggests that Villa signed Martinez for a relatively modest fee compared to his current valuation. So, a sale now would generate significant pure profit on the balance sheet.

Selling Martinez could take the weight off the club’s finances. It would allow the club to align with strict Premier League spending regulations while potentially funding other squad reinforcements.

“We thought he was going to leave in the summer window, we had those scenes in the last game of the season at Villa Park.

“He was waving to the crowd and in tears, and we expected that would be the last time we would see Martinez in an Aston Villa shirt.

“Obviously a move didn’t materialise in the summer window, but he’s one of the top goalkeepers in the world and its no surprise clubs are looking at him.

“It won’t be an easy deal to do due to probably the fee Villa would look for him would be pretty high.

“For Villa, obviously, we know their financial situation with PSR, maybe a strategic sale could be something that would be of interest to them if they could make a big profit.

“So look, he’s been the subject of speculation for the last couple of transfer windows, and it looks like his future will be the same in this upcoming summer transfer window as well.

“There’s no doubt Martinez is a player that a lot of clubs would love to sign.”

Is Cashing In on Martinez the Correct Strategy?

LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Aston Villa at Elland Road on November 23, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Unai Emery’s side would take a massive gamble by selling a goalkeeper of Martinez’s calibre. He saves points almost single-handedly. He also brings immense character to the dressing room and instils confidence in the backline. Few other keepers can replicate these traits.

The club could destabilise their campaign by losing such an influential figure mid-season. This is especially risky as they chase European qualification. The defence would rely heavily on his vocal organisation and ability to claim crosses. A new signing might take months to replicate those same attributes effectively.

Still, the financial reality of the Premier League often forces teams to be practical. Villa may face a genuine risk of points deductions for breaching spending limits. In that case, selling one asset to save the season’s integrity becomes a logical, albeit painful, necessity. Martinez is one of the few assets who can command a huge fee while recording mostly profit.

Keeping the Argentine might secure results on the pitch. However, if it leads to a financial breach, the resulting sanctions could make those points meaningless. So, if Inter Milan offer a premium price, Villa’s hierarchy might view the sale as the only responsible option to keep the club stable. They just need to line up a capable replacement immediately.