Aston Villa seal Emiliano Martinez deal from Arsenal
Villa have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal in a deal worth around £20million.
The 28-year-old has become the club’s third signing of the transfer window after agreeing a four-year contract at Villa Park.
One-time Wolves loanee Martinez is in line to start Villa’s Premier League opener against Sheffield United on Monday, with No.1 Tom Heaton still recovering from a long-term knee injury.
The Argentine earned rave reviews for his performances for Arsenal during the closing weeks of last season, after stepping in when Bernd Leno was ruled out with injury.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was unable to offer any assurances he would keep his place this season, giving Villa the opportunity to strike.
“We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side,” said Villa boss Dean Smith.
“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.”
Martinez joins Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash as Villa’s new recruits during the current window. The club are also closing in on a £19m deal for Lyon winger Bertrand Traore.
