The future of Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez seems to be at a turning point. Despite being a key figure for Aston Villa and a fan favorite in Birmingham, the Argentine goalkeeper is now considering taking the next step in his career. After winning everything possible with the Argentina national team, including the 2022 World Cup, he is seeking a bigger challenge at the club level.

At 33 years old and with a standout record in the Premier League, Martínez is reportedly attracting interest from several European giants. While no formal offers have been made yet, there is serious interest from Atlético de Madrid, who see him as a long-term option should Jan Oblak leave the club. Although Atlético insists Oblak would only depart for an extraordinary offer, Martínez remains on their shortlist.

This isn’t the first time Diego Simeone has shown interest in the Argentine. Following the Qatar World Cup, the Atlético coach reportedly contacted Martínez to explore the possibility of a move if a vacancy opened up. However, nothing materialized at the time.

Is he staying in England?

Manchester United is also monitoring the situation. With André Onana under scrutiny after an inconsistent season, the club is evaluating alternatives to bring more stability to their goal. Martínez, known for his leadership and ability to shine under pressure, fits the profile perfectly. Additionally, Barcelona has also been linked with him, especially as questions remain over the future of Wojciech Szczęsny, although no official moves have been made on that front either.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2020, where he struggled for consistent playing time, Martínez has become a cornerstone of Aston Villa, helping the club qualify for European competitions and reach the Champions League quarter-finals last season. His rejection of lucrative offers from leagues such as Saudi Arabia underlines his desire to remain at the highest level, with his eyes firmly set on the 2026 World Cup.

For now, the goalkeeper is in no rush. His priority is to find a competitive project that allows him to challenge for top honors. All signs suggest that his next destination could be LaLiga, but a club will have to take the step and present a formal offer that satisfies both the player and Aston Villa. Will he wear red and white or blaugrana next season? Time will tell.