Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez has completed a move from Arsenal to Aston Villa for a fee of $25 million, the club confirmed on Wednesday. He arrives at Villa Park on a four-year contract.
Martinez played consistently for the Gunners last season, taking to the pitch in their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in August. Despite his prominence in the Arsenal squad last season, coach Mikel Arteta favors Bernd Leno as his side’s first-choice keeper for the new season.
This decision prompted Martinez to seek first team football at a new club, namely Aston Villa, who will be looking to avoid another relegation dogfight this season. Villa narrowly survived the relegation battle last season, only managing to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
Martinez is a promising signing for Aston Villa. Villa manager Dean Smith had this to say regarding Martinez’s arrival at the club, “We are really pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side.”
“We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity, as it is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term.”
