An “incredible” star turned down a late move to Aston Villa after they expressed a willingness to fork out £43m, it has been revealed.
Villa in need of fresh injection of quality
Emery has undoubtedly done a fantastic job at Villa, turning around the club’s fortunes by leading them to the Champions League and the Europa League, but the manager clearly needs a fresh injection of quality in his squad.
It has been a slow start to the season for the Villans, losing two and drawing one of their opening three Premier League games, during which time they failed to score a single goal, which meant it was a busy deadline day for Emery.
Perhaps in light of his side’s attacking issues in the first three matches, the Spaniard opted to bring in two new attackers, with winger Jadon Sancho arriving on loan from Manchester United, alongside Liverpool attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott.
However, one position in which Aston Villa were unable to strengthen was between the sticks, and in the end they didn’t need to, with Emiliano Martinez remaining at the club.
It has since been widely reported that Martinez was actively seeking a deadline day move to Manchester United, phoning international teammate Lisandro Martinez to advocate for him, but the Red Devils ended up signing Senne Lammens instead.
With the Argentinian seeking a departure, Villa were looking to bring in a replacement, and a report from Record (via Sport Witness) has revealed they agreed to shell out €50m (£43m) for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Costa was being targeted as a replacement for Martinez, but Emery’s side were unable to get a deal over the line, with the Portuguese shot-stopper rejecting a move to Villa Park in the final days of the window.
"Incredible" Costa could have been ideal Martinez replacement
Ultimately, Emery didn’t need to bring in an immediate replacement for Martinez, with a move to United failing to transpire, but it remains to be seen whether the Argentina international has a long-term future at the club.
The 33-year-old was clearly agitating for a move on deadline day, and in some ways it is disappointing that a deal didn’t go through, given that there is little point keeping a wantaway player on the books.
Not only that, but missing out on the Porto goalkeeper is a blow for Emery, given that the 25-year-old has put in some top-quality performances during his time with his boyhood club.
Having also amassed 36 caps for national side Portugal, and been described as “incredible” by compatriot Diogo Dalot, Costa could’ve been an ideal long-term replacement for Martinez, but Aston Villa will now have to wait until January at the earliest to pursue a deal.
