Report from our EPL reporter saying that Aston Villa have finally announced the signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on Wednesday for a reported fee of £20 million ($26 million) which is considered by most football analyst to be really high.
Although it must be noted that the 28-year-old Argentine, who has signed a four-year deal, helped Arsenal to win FA Cup victory last season and Community Shield glory last month but faced playing second fiddle to Bernd Leno this season as is performance dropped.
Quoting Aston Villa boss Dean Smith saying “We are really pleased with the signing of our new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez” and also saying we know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side of the Gunners.
We at Aston Villa have moved for Emiliano when we saw the opportunity showing and it is really rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age in the premier league and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term season with us.
It must be noted that Martinez ends a 10-year association with the Gunners, following Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins moving to Villa Park also.
Based on the Club record saying he was signed from Independiente in 2010, making 39 first-team appearances and spending time on loan at six clubs.
Quoting the goalkeeper saying “Thank you, thank you for all of the years (of support),” Martinez told Arsenal.com. “I thank God for having the opportunity over the past few months to show the Gunners fanbase what I am made of, and why I went on loan so many times.
“I was always willing to come back and win them trophies and give them silverware. I did it, I feel prouder than ever.”