Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez has “completed” his move to Aston Villa, according to the Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano. At the time of writing, no official announcement has been made but the Argentinian international looks certain to leave the Emirates very shortly:
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal – contract signed until June 2024. Talks on with Werder for Milot Rashica.
And Arsenal keep working to sell players [Torreira too] and then will try again for a top midfielder [Aouar or Thomas] ? #AFC #AVFC— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2020
After starring for the Gunners as the London club won the FA Cup last season, supporters on Twitter are sad to see the 28-year-old go, but they are hoping that the £20m will be put to good use in the transfer market:
its sad that he is leaving
— That Humble citizen??? (@Zak_official_1) September 13, 2020
Aouar Time now
Thanks Emi— Hoogaga (@Hoogagah) September 13, 2020
Really hope this mean Aour comes. If not its a waste to let Martinez go, but at the same time maybe we owed him this move. Thanks for everything. Hope they put a buy back clausul in, if Leno leaves for a high offer in the future we should call Martinez
— Mattias Borglin (@BorglinMattias) September 13, 2020
He will be missed @emimartinezz1
— chesz101 (@chesz101) September 13, 2020
We got money, but at what cost…
— The Professeur (@Ruffledego) September 13, 2020
Wish him all the best in his new journey….
Gonna miss him a lot— OTA'BAYOMI (@AdejuwonOAbayo1) September 13, 2020
Gutted that he's gonna be leaving ?
— MrFish (@HellFish_GeaR) September 13, 2020
I wish him all the best but i hope we can get partey now
— jay savage (@jaysava17731951) September 13, 2020
With Martinez not willing to play second fiddle to Bernd Leno, it was almost inevitable that the Argentine would leave due to his desire to play regularly. He has certainly earned the right considering he was Arsenal’s longest-serving player.
Whether the £20m from his sale will be spent on trying to sign Lyon’s Houssem Aouar or even Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey before the transfer window shuts, we shall have to wait and see.