Report: Wage demands likely to be Aston Villa’s biggest hurdle in Emi Martinez bid

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Aston Villa hope that Arsenal will be willing to lower their asking price for Emiliano Martinez, but the Express and Star has suggested that wages could be a problem for the Villans.

Martinez’s stock has risen sharply in recent months after a superb spell as the Gunners’ first-choice stopper towards the end of last season.

Unfortunately for fans of the Argentinian, his future looks potentially uncertain with Bernd Leno previously establishing himself as the undisputed number one.

The Express and Star reports that the Villans want Martinez. However, their budget to sign a new goalkeeper is £10 million, while the Gunners want £20 million for the 27-year-old.

But the report notes that Villa believe that Arsenal will be forced to lower their asking price should Martinez make it clear that he wants to go.

However, that is not Dean Smith’s only issue to contend with. The Express and Star notes that Martinez is going to want a huge increase on his £20,000-a-week wages.

The report claims that reaching an agreement on wages is set to be Villa’s biggest issue.

TBR View: Villa’s hopes already look bleak

It was claimed by The Telegraph over the weekend that Martinez is actually close to signing a new contract with the Gunners.

So perhaps, there is a chance that Villa’s pursuit could be over before it has really begun.

A move to another club may well appeal to Martinez. He has shown that he is good enough to be first-choice at the highest level.

One report would suggest that he is ready to prove that point at Arsenal. But Villa are seemingly hoping that their interest may put a spanner in the works.