Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez 'have agreement to consider Champions League offers'

Aston Villa may reportedly consider the sale of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez if they receive an offer from 'an elite club'.

Since moving to Villa Park for £17m in September 2020, Martinez has established himself as the undisputed number one for club and Argentina.

As well as making 91 appearances for Villa, the 30-year-old has earned 26 caps for his country since making his debut early last year.

Martinez has recently spent time in the spotlight through helping the South American nation win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Helped by two starring performances in penalty-shootout victories over Netherlands and France, Martinez also collected the Golden Glove award, like he did at the 2021 Copa America.

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Despite his rise to prominence, Martinez is not necessarily in a position where he could command an immediate transfer to a bigger club should an offer materialise.

Martinez still has over four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, and Villa would theoretically demand well in excess of the fee that they paid Arsenal little over two years ago.

Nevertheless, according to AS, discussions have already taken place between Villa and Martinez should they receive a bid.

The report suggests that there is an understanding that club officials will contemplate the sale of Martinez if they are presented with a proposal from 'an elite club'.

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That is perceived to be a team competing in the Champions League, and Bayern Munich are said to be deliberating over whether to move for the former Arsenal stopper.

With Manuel Neuer having been ruled out for the season and Alexander Nubel on loan at Monaco, the Bundesliga leaders need reinforcements between the sticks.

Although there are cheaper alternatives available, it is suggested that club officials and Julian Nagelsmann are taking an interest in Martinez.

Villa boss Unai Emery is said to view Martinez as 'indispensable', putting any transfer in January in considerable doubt as the Spaniard looks to move his new side into the top half of the Premier League table.