Emi Martinez could be set for Aston Villa stay after Fabrizio Romano transfer news
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton admits it’s “good news” for Aston Villa to see Tottenham closing in on a deal for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 14 June that Spain international Raya, 27, has agreed personal terms to head to Spurs, who had been linked with a move for Villa number one Emi Martinez.
TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul claimed on 12 March that Spurs were interested in signing Martinez, 30, and were due to submit an offer for the Argentine World Cup winner.
However, it seems Tottenham might not be interested in Martinez anymore because they’re edging towards a deal for Brentford’s Raya instead.
Hutton, who played for Aston Villa and Tottenham, believes Aston Villa’s qualification for European football next season, coupled with Spurs’ failure to do that, may have had a role in Martinez not heading to North London.
“When you think about it, Villa finished higher than Tottenham and they are in European competition,” Hutton told Villa News.
“On paper, people might say Spurs are a top-four team but they’re not at this moment in time.
“Yes, they’ve got an amazing stadium, training ground and all the rest but is that better than where he is right now? I don’t think so.
“Spurs moving for a different goalkeeper is obviously good news for Aston Villa moving forward because if they want to build on the success of last season, they need to keep their best players.”
Martinez not only won the World Cup last season but he also won the Golden Glove award for his performances in Qatar.
He also played a major role in Villa qualifying for the Europa Conference League with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League, ahead of Spurs in eighth and Chelsea in 12th.
