Inter Milan Step Up Emi Martinez Pursuit To Replace Yann Sommer

Emi Martinez has been identified as Inter Milan’s No 1 target to replace veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Reports from Corriere della Sera have suggested that Inter has already opened talks with the Aston Villa star. Martinez is understood to be keen on the move after six years at Villa Park.

The 2022 World Cup winner has made a number of costly mistakes this season and his long-term future has been the topic of debate for the last few months.

From Villa’s perspective, they are happy to let Dibu seek a new challenge with the Serie A giants. He almost quit in the summer for Manchester United but stayed on board and now, his exit appears imminent.

Emi Martinez Wanted By Inter Milan

Inter Milan targeted Emi Martinez at the back end of last year and was plotting a January bid. However, Inter are happy to wait until the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign to accelerate their pursuit.

Martinez’s uncharacteristic errors this campaign have not deterred Cristian Chivu, either. The Nerazzurri head coach has been a keen admirer of the Argentine shot-stopper and believes he still has plenty to offer.

Although the Argentine star is 34 later this year, Chivu trusts that the South American star can play a pivotal role at the San Siro for the next 2-3 seasons.

The only slight stumbling block at this stage is Martinez’s salary. According to Capology, he banks €173k per week which is above what the Serie A leaders are willing to pay.

Therefore, more talks are expected to ensue in the hope of both parties reaching an agreement with a transfer fee of €10-15m being mooted. Martinez still has three-and-half years to run on his current deal.

Will Yann Sommer Quit Inter Milan?

Various reports in Italy are adamant that Yann Sommer will definitely leave Inter Milan. The veteran goalkeeper’s deal expires at the end of the season and he can already talk to potential suitors.

Sommer is a cult hero in Milan and a return to former club Basel is gathering traction. A move back to the Swiss Super League appeals to the 37-year-old and Inter will not stand in his way of an emotional reunion.

His three seasons at the San Siro have proven largely successful. Sommer won the Scudetto in 2023-24 and also helped the Nerazzurri to the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana – keeping three clean sheets in the process.

His most memorable individual performance came in the epic 4-3 Champions League semi-final win against Barcelona in May. Sommer pulled off a number of key saves – including that stop from Lamine Yamal.

That earned the former Swiss international the MVP award. Although he shipped five times in the final, Sommer will be fondly remembered at the Giuseppe Meazza.

If Emi Martinez does replace the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper, he certainly has big shoes to fill.

Although head coach Cristian Chivu favors Martinez, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario is also an option. The Italian is reportedly seeking an exit from Spurs and is open to a Serie A return.