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Out of nowhere, a buzz has erupted around Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation, and it is building fast.
To INEOS’s delight, André Onana has just attracted a new suitor.
Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, which is in search of a top goalkeeper, has reportedly identified Onana as a target, according to reports relayed by The Peoples Person on Friday.
Onana’s exit links open the door for a top goalie signing
With growing signs that Onana’s future could lie away from Old Trafford, attention naturally shifts to who might replace him.
Several high-profile goalkeepers have already been linked with a switch to United, but none more consistently of late than Emiliano Martínez.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper is expected to leave Villa Park this summer. While several clubs have shown interest, his name remains linked with United.
Packaged as the “Onana upgrade”, INEOS have every reason to push for his signing.
However, if they needed any added incentive, Ben Foster may have just offered it.
Martínez’s move could spark a wave of elite transfers
Speaking on The Fozcast Podcast, the former United goalie described a potential move for Martínez as a transfer masterstroke by his former club.
He admitted it would be a massive blow for Aston Villa (who are forced to sell due to Profit and Sustainability Regulations), but also a clear statement of intent from United.
“That’s a good move for Manchester United, and it’s going to be a massive miss for Aston Villa,” Foster said.
“If they do sign him, I think it enables United to go and flex their muscles and get a couple more big boys.”
United still need more top-level signings
Reflecting on why further reinforcements are needed, even after moves for Matheus Cunha, Martínez, and potentially Bryan Mbeumo, Foster added:
“Mbeumo has already been spoken about and Cunha is already through the door. But I don’t think they are going to be anywhere near challenging. Even the top ten is going to be a struggle this season for them.”
Signing the 2024 FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year would represent a significant power play by the 20-time English league champions.
But beyond the impact between the posts, could that signing help lure other top names to Old Trafford?
It would certainly reinforce United’s relevance in the market.
So, who is to say it cannot help attract the likes of Viktor Gyökeres or even Xavi Simons?
With head coach Rúben Amorim demanding top-class additions, if Martínez’s arrival prompts players to warm to a move to United, then surely INEOS will have to make it happen.
Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images
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