ATLETICO MADRID WANT TO SIGN ASTON VILLA "DESTROYER" ALONGSIDE EMI MARTINEZ

In a double blow for those in the Midlands, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has now reportedly set his sights on signing both Emiliano Martinez and another Aston Villa ace this summer.

Simeone driving Atletico Madrid's Martinez move

Amid profit and sustainability (PSR) concerns, Aston Villa have looked likely to sell at least one star man for some time. For the last few months, however, it's been a question of who.

Morgan Rogers, following an excellent season, has found himself among the headlines and on Chelsea's reported radar but his importance at Villa Park may be too much to let go. Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in a transfer that would strengthen a Champions League rival.

In truth, Unai Emery should be desperate to keep hold of both stars and take Villa's summer sales down a different route. That's where Martinez could surprisingly come in. The 32-year-old appeared to be waving a tearful goodbye to Villa Park in his side's final home game of the season last Friday and Emery failed to rule out a summer exit for the goalkeeper.

The Spaniard told reporters: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."

Sparking several rumours, Simeone now personally wants Atletico Madrid to sign Martinez if Jan Oblak leaves the Spanish club this summer. The La Liga giants aren't alone in the race for the Argentine's signature, either, with Manchester United also reportedly eyeing the chance to solve their Andre Onana problem using the Aston Villa shot-stopper.

If it is to be Atletico Madrid though, then Aston Villa could lose two players to the Spaniards in the same summer amid reports that Simeone is also a fan of another one of Emery's men.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Barrenechea

According to Caught Offside, Simeone also wants to sign Enzo Barrenechea alongside Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. The midfielder has spent the campaign on loan at Valencia, impressing many away from the Midlands, and could now seal a permanent move away from the club just one year on from his arrival.

Despite being described as a "destroyer" by U23 scout Antonio Mango whilst on loan at Valencia this season, Emery has reportedly given Aston Villa the green light to sell Barrenechea this summer.

For all his potential, it would be an understandable sale as Aston Villa look to navigate their PSR problems. Selling a player who has thrived on loan, but one who may still struggle to break into Emery's best side, should be the way forward for the Villans if they want to avoid any financial troubles this summer.

2025-05-22T19:28:02Z