Emi Martínez recommends Aston Villa make specific signing – January move likely

Emiliano Martínez has asked Aston Villa to sign Santiago Beltrán as the River Plate goalkeeper looks to change clubs after this year. 

The Argentina international joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and was their No.1 until he left them for Chelsea in the summer.

A year after joining the Villans, he made his national team debut. The current Chelsea man won the World Cup and the Copa América [twice] with La Albiceleste .

Prior to the 34-year-old’s sale to Chelsea, the Europa League winners signed Zion Suzuki from Parma in the last window.

The Japan international is the new No.1 for Unai Emery, however, his arrival doesn’t stop the Premier League side from looking at another stopper.

Aston Villa made approach 

On September 19th, Sport Witness covered a report from Argentina explaining that the Villans made an approach for Santiago Beltrán. Earlier this month, we relayed news River Plate have set €15m price to start negotiations.

Emiliano Martínez has recommended Aston Villa sign his compatriot, who also interests other clubs.

Journalist Ramiro Solveyra reveals this to Picado TV and El Intransigente have relayed his comments. He explains the 22-year-old’s decision to change agents indicates a transfer would be on the cards in January.

“I think Beltrán is going to leave at the end of the year. When he changed agents, his plan was to move to Europe,” he said.

“He’s even been influenced by Dibu Martínez, who has recommended him to Aston Villa. There’s also been interest from Atlético Madrid and Inter.”

Solveyra doesn’t specify whether Martínez asked his former club to sign the Argentine before or after he moved to Chelsea.

Beltrán good option for Aston Villa 

Unai Emery has Zion Suzuki, 35-year-old Marco Bizot and youngster James Wright as the three stoppers at Villa Park.

Bizot is in his final year of contract, and his future after this season may be away from the English club.

Santiago Beltrán can be an option to replace Bizot and provide cover and competition to the Japan international.

The South American made his first team debut earlier this year. He kept 15 clean sheets and conceded 34 goals from 39 matches. His contract runs until December 2027.