Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez is on the verge of joining Premier League rivals Aston Villa, as per a report by Football Insider.
The report claims: “Aston Villa are set to announce the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal today after he passed a medical, Football Insider has learned.
“The Midlands club are finalising the registration of the Argentine, 28, after the fee and personal terms were finalised.
“A Villa source has told Football Insider that Arsenal have accepted an offer of £17million plus a potential £3m of add-ons.”
Mikel Arteta wanted to hold onto the keeper and some rumours had suggested that the club were also ready to offer him an improved deal.
But ever since his fine performances towards the end of last season, Emiliano Martinez was clear that he will only remain at Arsenal if he gets enough playing time during the 2020/21 season.
That though would clearly not have been possible since their regular No 1, Bernd Leno is already back to full fitness.
So letting Martinez leave for Aston Villa was the only option for the Gunners boss and this is indeed a fine signing for the Villa Park outfit.
Yes, Emiliano Martinez did a fine replacement job for Arsenal last season but with Leno up and running again, we don’t think the Argentine will be missed too much at the Emirates.
The 28-year-old will be Dean Smith’s third signing of the summer after the arrivals of Ollie Watkins and right-back Matty Cash.
