Manchester United launch surprise move to sign former Arsenal star wanted by Barcelona - Reports

Manchester United have launched a move to sign former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Red Devils see the Argentine as the ideal replacement for Andre Onana.

As per a report by ESPN Argentina, Manchester United have started talks with Martinez as they look to bring him in this summer. They are yet to speak to Aston Villa, but are sorting out personal terms before making the bid.

Journalist Leo Paradizo was the first to report the news and said on ESPN via METRO:

"Talks have already begun, contacts so that Martinez can join Manchester United. Of all the possibilities that he has in his immediate future, Manchester United is the one that excites him the most. The clubs are going to take their time, but yes, I can confirm that the contact between Manchester United and Martinez have already started."

The quotes come just hours after Andre Onana put his Manchester United future in the balance. The goalkeeper refused to confirm if he will be at Old Trafford next season amid reports that the club were looking to sell him to Neom SC in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to AfrikFoot via The Sportzine, Onana said:

"Will I leave? I don't know, we'll see!"

Meanwhile, Martinez hinted at an exit from Aston Villa this summer. He has been linked with the Saudi Pro League, while Barcelona were also said to be keeping tabs.

Manchester United urged to sign former Arsenal star by Phil Jones

Phil Jones was talking to OLBG earlier this month when he urged Manchester United to sign Emiliano Martinez. He admitted that the Red Devils need an improvement on Andre Onana and said:

"I like him. I think he's a very good goalkeeper. I look at David De Gea, who Manchester United let go, he won us so many games, so many points throughout the season when I played with him, and obviously had a good season at Fiorentina."

"I think Emi Martinez, if he came in, would be a top signing. No, there's no getting away from that, but it depends on whether you go for experience over a bit more youth who can develop and nurture. Depends if they stick with Andre Onana, if they want to stick with him, then it depends what they do, but he would be a good signing for sure if they brought him in," he added.

Manchester United have sealed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton and remain in talks to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Tottenham.

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