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Aston Villa has completed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Arsenal on a four-year, £ 20m deal.
Dean Smith promised Martinez first-team soccer, who was persuaded to make his move by the 28-year-old’s series of impressive performances replacing Bernd Leno after the Covid-19 shutdown. Martinez had hoped that Arsenal’s team career, after playing a vital role during their FA Cup victory, would earn him No. 1, but there were no such guarantees and he felt compelled to move on.
Negotiations on a new contract with Arsenal had stalled, with Villa offering a superior financial package and first-choice status, and Martinez was pulled from the team to face Fulham last Saturday with the closing of the transfer. He underwent a medical examination Sunday and minor complications at the Arsenal winger were resolved Tuesday night.
“We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity,” said Smith, “as it is rare to be able to buy a first-class goalkeeper who has not yet reached his maximum age and who can therefore be a key player for our club.” . long-term “.
A 10-year stint at Arsenal concludes for Martínez, who arrived from the Argentine Independiente in 2010, but left after playing 39 games with the first team. He was loaned out six times and was anxious not to be confined any longer to a supporting role. The move to Villa makes him the most expensive Argentine goalkeeper and may improve his chances in international soccer.
In a farewell video on Instagram, Martinez spoke excitedly about his time at Arsenal “I couldn’t be happier to walk out the front door with the Arsenal fan base supporting me and the club supporting me,” he said. “I had been at the club for 11 years, and although it was a difficult road for me, and I suffered during my time at Arsenal, today I am happy and tried to show young goalkeepers how work is worth it.”
Villa had a rival for his signature in Brighton, but he made Arsenal the most palatable offer and Martinez looks confident that he will start his first Premier League game against Sheffield United on Monday.
Arsenal had been reluctant to sell Martinez, but with Leno available and money short, the appeal of such a hefty fee is obvious. They will use part of it in a replacement for Martinez, with Runar Runarsson from Dijon and David Raya from Brentford, who have worked with Arsenal goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña Pavón of interest. A deal for Runarsson may be easier to make, as Brentford is unwilling to engage in discussions about Raya.
Villa’s number one last season, Tom Heaton, has not fully recovered from a knee ligament injury sustained on New Year’s Day and the club is unsure when he will be ready to play.
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