🧤 𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗥𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗩𝗘! 🇮🇹 Inter Milan Open Talks with Emi Martínez to Replace Exit-Bound Yann Sommer! 🇦🇷🏟️
By 247sportcity | Tuesday, January 20, 2026
MILAN – The European goalkeeping carousel has just been kicked into overdrive. According to blockbuster reports from Sky Sport and FCInterNews, Inter Milan have officially made contact with the representatives of Aston Villa and Argentina superstar Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.1
The Nerazzurri, currently leading the race for the Serie A title under Cristian Chivu, are planning a massive defensive overhaul as the era of Yann Sommer at the San Siro draws to a definitive close.2 With Sommer’s contract ticking down and no renewal in sight, Inter have identified the back-to-back Yashin Trophy winner as the man to anchor their pursuit of a second star and Champions League glory.
The End of the Sommer Era: A Return to Basel?
The catalyst for this move is the impending departure of Swiss veteran Yann Sommer.3 Now 37, Sommer has been a model of consistency since replacing André Onana, but his contract expires in June 2026.4
Reports from Italy suggest that Inter have decided against offering the veteran a new deal, citing a desire to rejuvenate the position with a world-class presence who can lead the backline for the next three to four years. For Sommer, the path leads back to his “heart club,” FC Basel, who are reportedly preparing a “fairytale homecoming” for the man who earned 94 caps for his country.5
“Yann has been a professional’s professional, but the club must look at the next five years,” a source close to the San Siro hierarchy told Gemini Sports. “In Dibu Martínez, they see a leader whose personality matches the stature of Inter Milan.”
The ‘Dibu’ Equation: Why Inter Are Moving Now
Emiliano Martínez’s situation at Aston Villa has become increasingly complex. Despite leading Villa to the Champions League in 2024, the Argentine has had a turbulent 12 months in the West Midlands:
- The Failed United Move: In the summer of 2025, Martínez was on the verge of joining Manchester United, only for the Red Devils to pull out at the final hour to sign Belgian youngster Senne Lammens.6
- The Relationship with Emery: While Unai Emery has praised Martínez’s “fantastic comeback” this season, the player was reportedly stripped of the vice-captaincy earlier this term amid rumors of unrest.7
- The Villa Price Tag: Villa are reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £25 million to £30 million—a figure that represents a significant “snip” for a goalkeeper of his world-class pedigree.
For Inter, Martínez represents a “plug-and-play” upgrade. At 33, he is in his prime for a goalkeeper and brings the “big-game aura” that Chivu believes is necessary to win at the highest level.
[Table: The Goalkeeping Dominoes of 2026]
| Club | Outgoing Keeper | Potential Incoming | Status |
| Inter Milan | Yann Sommer (to Basel) | Emiliano Martínez | Initial Contact Made |
| Aston Villa | Emiliano Martínez | James Trafford | Scouting / Talks |
| Man City | James Trafford | N/A (Donnarumma #1) | Seeking Move |
| FC Basel | Marwin Hitz (Retired) | Yann Sommer | Dream Homecoming |
The James Trafford Domino: Villa’s Condition
While Inter are pushing for a deal, Aston Villa have been clear: Martínez will not be allowed to leave until a replacement is in the building.
The man at the top of Villa’s list is Manchester City’s James Trafford. The young Englishman has seen his career stall at the Etihad following City’s blockbuster £80m signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG. Trafford, desperate for first-team football to secure his England spot for the 2026 World Cup, is reportedly keen on the move to Villa Park.
If Villa can secure Trafford for a fee of around £20 million, they will likely green-light Martínez’s move to Italy.
Tactical Fit: A New Breed of ‘Nerazzurri’ Number One
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter have adopted a more aggressive defensive line. Martínez’s elite shot-stopping, combined with his legendary ability to command the penalty area and psych-out opponents, is seen as the perfect fit for the Italian top flight.
Furthermore, the “Argentine Connection” at Inter remains as strong as ever. With club captain Lautaro Martínez acting as a direct line to his international teammate, the integration of “Dibu” into the Milanese lifestyle is expected to be seamless.
The Final Hurdle: Wages and PSR
The only significant obstacle remaining is Martínez’s salary. Currently earning upwards of £150,000-a-week at Villa, he would likely become Inter’s highest-paid player alongside Lautaro. Inter’s financial directors are currently crunching the numbers to ensure the deal fits within Serie A’s strict fiscal regulations.
Final Verdict: The Move of the Window?
If Inter Milan can pull this off, it will be hailed as the transfer masterstroke of the 2026 January window. They would be replacing a 37-year-old on a free transfer with arguably the most decorated goalkeeper in modern world football for a relatively modest fee.
For Martínez, a move to the San Siro offers the one thing he hasn’t yet achieved: a genuine chance to lift the Champions League trophy.