Who should sign Emiliano Martinez?

Emiliano Martinez has quickly become a national hero in Argentina
Emiliano Martinez has quickly become a national hero in Argentina / Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/GettyImages
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When he isn't crotch-thrusting awards or riling up the entirety of the Netherlands, Emiliano Martinez is probably saving a penalty.

Martinez's heroics from 12 yards thrust Lionel Messi's legacy into an impenetrable realm as Argentina claimed victory in the greatest World Cup final of all-time on penalties.

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The Aston Villa shot-stopper had a huge say in La Albiceleste's success as he denied Randal Kolo Muani's effort in the dying embers of extra time with a big left foot before his chest prevented Kingsley Coman in the shootout.

He was immediately crowned a national hero and Martinez's performances in Qatar have seen him emerge as a protagonist in transfer rumour mills ahead of the January transfer window.

A few clubs have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old this winter.


1. Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer is out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg / Alex Grimm/GettyImages

No, Bayern Munich are not moving on from Manuel Neuer just yet but they are in the market for a goalkeeper in January after the German international was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.

Bayern require an emergency option and reports have emerged of their interest in Martinez. Sven Ulreich is Die Roten's current number two with Alexander Nubel currently out on loan at AS Monaco.

Ulreich hasn't filled supporters with the utmost confidence down the years, and the club might be persuaded to bring in someone like Martinez this winter.


2. Manchester United

David de Gea, Erik Ten Hag
David de Gea isn't Erik ten Hag's long-term solution between the sticks / Matthew Ashton - AMA/GettyImages

Despite his steady performances, it's unlikely that Erik ten Hag views David de Gea as Manchester United's long-term number one under his stewardship. The Spaniard simply isn't good enough with his feet.

Now, Martinez isn't exactly Ederson with the ball on the ground, but United reportedly hold an interest in bringing the World Cup hero to Old Trafford.

Should the Red Devils opt to make the move in January, Martinez will compete with De Gea for a starting berth. However, he doesn't come across as United's long-term goalkeeper solution.


3. Juventus

Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny is Juventus' current number one / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

This is another strange link.

Juventus are reportedly challenging the likes of Man Utd for Martinez's signature, but a goalkeeper of the Argentine's profile isn't what the Bianconeri need right now.

Firstly, their current number one, Wojciech Szczesny, just enjoyed a stellar World Cup of his own and the Polish international has performed steadily in Turin for several years now. Mattia Perin, meanwhile, is an excellent number two.

If Juve do dip their toes into the goalkeeper market, they should be looking at a much younger option that encapsulates the modernity of the position. Gavin Bazunu springs to mind.


4. Tottenham

Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris enjoyed a brilliant World Cup with France / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

35-year-old Hugo Lloris proved in Qatar that he can still compete at the very highest level (penalty saving aside) but Tottenham will soon move on for the Frenchman and the club needs a long-term number one.

Martinez may not be the ideal profile, but he's an option for the Lilywhites to consider.

The former Gooner has performed at a sub-par level for the past couple of years, but his stellar World Cup will undoubtedly mask a few glaring flaws in the eyes of potential suitors.

Spurs, like United, must nail this transfer, but they'd be wise to stay away from the World Cup hero.