According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery ‘can’t stand’ goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and wants to sell him.
Martinez has hogged the headlines following Argentina’s success at this winter’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old has been criticised for his behaviour during the penalty shootout victory over France in the final of the competition.
Following the match, Martinez decided to make a lewd gesture with the Golden Glove trophy before mocking France striker Kylian Mbappe during celebrations.
Martinez called for a minute’s silence in the dressing room and then held a doll with Mbappe’s face on it during the open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.
Emery discussed Martinez during a press conference on Friday, saying he will discuss his behaviour when he returns to the Midlands next week.
He said: “When you have a big emotion, sometimes it’s difficult to control it.
“I will speak to him next week about some of the celebrations but I need to respect that he’s with his national team right now. When he’s back with us we can speak about it.”
Martinez has been linked with Manchester United this week and the Red Devils might be able to land him if reports from Spain are to be believed.
According to the not-so-reliable Fichajes, Emery doesn’t like the former Arsenal shot-stopper.
In the sensational report, it is said the Spanish head coach ‘does not want Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa’.
Emery ‘is pulling all possible strings’ to get the Argentina hero out.
Emery is not a fan of Martinez’s ‘particular temperament’ and ‘difficult personality’ which has been emphasised over the last week.
The ‘mockery’ of the French players has meant his personality has been ‘even more exaggerated’.
The report amusingly said Martinez ‘has revealed himself as a great goalkeeper and, also, a great rude’.
‘For this reason, Unai Emery wants him out of Villa Park as soon as possible,’ it is added.
Emery already has a replacement in mind, another World Cup hero in Morocco’s Bono.
The Sevilla goalkeeper would cost around €40m which is seen as an ‘affordable’ fee for Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old was arguably the best goalkeeper at the World Cup in Qatar, helping Morocco defy the odds to reach the semi-finals.
The African nation only conceded one goal prior to the semis loss to France, and that was an own goal.
It is unclear whether or not Sevilla would be willing to listen to offer, but Bono would be a stellar replacement should Emery actually sack off Martinez.
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