It's fair to say Manchester United are preparing for life without goalkeeper Andre Onana, but they could face new competition for one of their top targets.
Chelsea have created enough problems for United this summer. They opted to pay a £5 million fee to cancel an obligation to turn Jadon Sancho's loan into a permanent transfer. United are now reportedly having trouble selling him due to his wage demands.
Thanks, Chelsea.
Now, they are trying to ruin United's summer again. According to Simon Mullock of The Mirror, Chelsea "have been offered the chance" to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is among United's targets to replace Onana.
Man United face potential competition from Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martinez
*Plays clip of John Terry's penalty miss in the 2008 Champions League final*
OK, now we're even.
United have been connected to various top goalkeepers this summer, including Martinez, who was a hero in Argentina's World Cup final win in 2022. He was also sent off in what could have been his final game for Villa, a 2-0 loss to United at Old Trafford, ironically.
In the report, Mullock notes that Martinez would "prefer" to join United, but the concern is that the club has "other priorities to address" in the transfer window.
Getting the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line is top of the to-do list, and United also need a striker to play the No. 9 role. Beyond that, though, it's fair to argue that adding a top goalkeeper should be a priority, especially if Villa are willing to listen to offers for Martinez.
His talent and experience could dramatically change United's defensive record.
It's true. United have plenty of priorities. That's how it goes after an awful 15th-placed finish while facing the reality of no European football. But along with fixing other positions, the club must also find ways to sell multiple players.
If Martinez is available, United must do everything possible to make it happen, even if Chelsea enter the race. It has already been a frustrating process, but Martinez would be a game-changing signing for Ruben Amorim's side.