Aston Villa chase Barcelona star as injury prompts Emery to move

Aston Villa have enquired over the situation of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Unai Emery concerned about the fitness of Emiliano Martinez.

Ter Stegen has been a divisive figure at Camp Nou this season. Barca no longer want the veteran German on their books due to his high wages and the fact he has fallen behind Joan Garcia in the pecking order. With Wojciech Szczesny also on their books, the veteran German has fallen to third in the Blaugrana’s ranks.

Head coach Hansi Flick did give him a rare start in the Copa del Rey against Deportivo Guadalajara in midweek, but this move angered the board, who appear eager to make it clear to Ter Stegen that he has no future at the club.

Aston Villa are ready to take advantage of this situation and, according to Mundo Deportivo, have already enquired after him.

Emery is concerned about the ongoing back problems that Martinez has suffered from lately. The Argentine has missed games against Brighton and West Ham lately because of the complaint, and it seems that the manager is unconvinced that these will be easily overcome.

Backup shot-stopper Marco Bizot has conceded eight times in four games, and Villa are monitoring potential alternatives ahead of January.

Villa are far from alone in tracking Ter Stegen. There is also interest from Girona, while other clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia are following his situation.

Ter Stegen reluctant to leave Barcelona

Ter Stegen has been resistant to a move since the summer, when Barcelona first sought to force him out of the club.

The Germany international is on a sizeable contract at Camp Nou and reportedly does not want to sacrifice his wages to depart.

Barca, though, are hopeful that the threat of missing out on the World Cup will entice Ter Stegen, who is under contract until 2028, to leave.

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